Is deploying the National Guard to handle ICE protestors an ‘overreach of federal authority’?

Interview
Written By David Petri

Maj. Gen. William Enyart, USA (Ret)

Illinois Public Media

June 16, 2025

After Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducted raids across Los Angeles, massive protests devolved in the city and beyond last week. President Trump called in the Marines and the National Guard  despite backlash from the state’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

Republican Governor Greg Abbott deployed thousands of National Guard troops to Texas and Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe activated the National Guard and declared a state of emergency there in response to planned protests. Late last week Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker pushed back against Trump’s decision to use the National Guard and the Marines. This was during a hearing meant to shine a light on Illinois’ and other blue state policies around immigrants.

A former Democratic congressman who led the Illinois National Guard talks about the legality, politics, and practicality of calling in the National Guard to push back against protestors.

David Petri

Dave Petri is a marketing and sustainability professional with 30 years of leadership experience across multiple industries. Since 2010, Dave’s professional experience has primarily been in the Outdoor Industry, including industry-wide leadership roles. He launched Cynosura Consulting in 2019 and is the principal consultant, providing his expertise to various companies and organizations in the manufacturing, hospitality, and event management sectors.

https://www.cynosurallc.com
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