Bloomberg Law Trump Can Deploy Troops to Portland But Not to Chicago
Oct 21, 2025
Leon Fresco, an immigration law expert, shares insights on the complex legal battles surrounding federal troop deployments in Portland and Chicago. He discusses conflicting court decisions and the implications for immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, Robert Mintz, a former federal prosecutor, delves into the Supreme Court's examination of warrantless police entries for emergency aid, debating the standards of probable cause and objective reasonableness. The discussion highlights pressing civil rights concerns and the potential impact on law enforcement practices.
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Operation Midway Blitz In Chicago
- Leon Fresco described Operation Midway Blitz: federal agents, ICE, CBP and National Guard were deployed in Chicago in early October to address protests and immigration enforcement.
- He said courts and judges quickly responded with lawsuits, orders on body cameras, and limits on tear gas amid concerns about use of force.
Expect Contempt And Civil Remedies
- Judges can hold federal officers or agency leadership in contempt for violating court injunctions and can impose fines or, rarely, jail time for noncompliance.
- Individuals can also sue federal officers under Bivens or the Federal Tort Claims Act for constitutional violations.
Seventh Circuit Limits Federalization Power
- The Seventh Circuit held the president's power to federalize a state's National Guard is reviewable and requires a showing like rebellion or inability to execute federal laws.
- The court found protests in Chicago did not meet that standard and upheld an injunction blocking deployment.