In a bold statement of defiance, two members of the Illinois National Guard have taken a stand against federal orders to deploy in Chicago. Their refusal is tied to President Trump’s contentious immigration enforcement mission, marking a significant challenge to military norms.
Members of the Illinois National Guard Take a Stand
Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek and Capt. Dylan Blaha, both of whom have political aspirations in Illinois, expressed their concerns about being ordered to act against their communities. Palecek, a Latina guardswoman and a legislative candidate, emphasized, “It feels illegal. This is not what we signed up to do.”
Blaha, who is also seeking election in the same district, highlighted the moral dilemma faced by military personnel. He remarked, “I signed up to defend the American people and protect the Constitution,” questioning the legality of current orders.
Growing Unease Among Service Members
The White House’s decision to deploy 500 National Guard troops, including members from Illinois, has ignited concerns within the ranks. Both soldiers reported a rising unease among personnel regarding the federalization of the Guard to secure immigration facilities in Chicago.
- Palecek described military members as “being used as pawns” in a political game.
- Blaha pointed out that most units are trained for combat, not for law enforcement roles.
Palecek voiced her unwavering stance, stating, “Absolutely. I would definitely say no” when asked if she would comply with deployment orders. She emphasized loyalty to her community, family, and culture.
Legal and Emotional Implications
Refusing a lawful federal order can lead to serious repercussions, including court-martial or discharge. The national attention on these refusals raises questions about military fidelity to community values versus federal directives.
The Defense Department has not commented on the situation, but the unfolding events demonstrate a struggle between individual conscience and military duty.
Concerns for Immigrant Service Members
Approximately 200 green card holders serve in the Illinois National Guard, with many feeling threatened by the current political climate. They are caught between the desire to protect their neighbors and the risk of losing their legal status.
- 160 legal permanent residents are in the state’s Army National Guard.
- 30 legal permanent residents are in the state’s Air National Guard.
Palecek noted the anxiety surrounding this conflict, as many service members fear losing their paths to citizenship due to their roles in the military. The tension escalates when considering programs designed to protect their legal standing, which have faced delays recently.
The Personal Cost of Speaking Out
Both guardsmen have faced backlash for their public dissent. Blaha revealed that his security clearance was suspended after he publicly encouraged fellow soldiers to reject unlawful orders. Palecek has received threats since speaking against the deployment.
Despite these challenges, both soldiers assert that silence is not an option. Blaha stated, “We were trained to stand up for what we believe in.”
Implications for National Security
The deployment of federal troops in urban environments raises concerns about the normalization of military presence in civilian life. Blaha warned of dangerous precedents being set: “If he declares martial law enough times, people will start to think it’s OK.”
Public sentiment around the deployment is mixed, with a significant portion of Americans opposing the orders. According to a CBS News poll, roughly 58% disapprove, yet about 42% support the use of National Guard in cities.
A Call to Action
Palecek’s and Blaha’s actions serve as a warning of potential consequences if such federal deployments continue unchecked. “Today it’s Chicago. Tomorrow it could be somewhere else,” they cautioned. Their message is clear: the fight is about community, belonging, and resistance to federal overreach.
