Capitol News

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined other states in filing amicus briefs supporting legal challenges by Illinois and Oregon against the Trump Administration’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago and Oregon. The briefs argue that the use of the military for civil law enforcement is unlawful and unconstitutional.

According to the amicus briefs, the principle that the military is subordinate to civilian authority is central to the rule of law. The briefs state that the president’s actions have increased safety concerns and threatened First Amendment rights. They also argue that sending federalized troops into communities against local wishes undermines local law enforcement and state sovereignty.

Nessel stated, “President Trump is trying to weaponize the military against the very people he swore to serve, a clear violation of the Constitution. Law enforcement belongs in the hands of trained civilian authorities, not soldiers torn from their families to patrol American streets. This effort to militarize our cities disrespects our National Guard, undermines state sovereignty, and threatens the rights of every citizen. I am committed to stopping this dangerous and unlawful abuse of power.”

The states involved emphasize that their National Guards are needed for essential services such as disaster response, counter-drug operations, and cybersecurity. They argue that federalizing the Guard removes volunteer members from these critical roles, leaving states unable to replace this support.

Attorneys general from multiple states, including Nessel, are preparing to defend their states against what they describe as illegal federal overreach. They remain ready to act if further deployments occur in Oregon, Illinois, California, the District of Columbia, or other locations.