Illinois National Guard Members Speak Out Against Chicago Deployment

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Washington, DC — As reported by CBS News’s Nicole Sganga, two Illinois National Guard members are speaking out against this administration’s deployment of troops to Chicago, stating “…they would refuse to obey federal orders to deploy in Chicago as part of President Trump’s controversial immigration enforcement mission” and noting, “I won’t turn against my neighbors.”

According to Vanessa Cárdenas, Executive Director of America’s Voice:

“The members of the Illinois National Guard who are standing up and speaking out against their deployment to harass and deport their friends and neighbors deserve our admiration, support, and thanks. They are joining the growing number of voices across the country speaking out against the harm of mass deportation and escalating cruelty and chaos set in motion by this current administration. As more and more public opinion polling reveals, millions of Americans are saying enough is enough. We need common-sense solutions to our immigration challenges, not an unfettered assault on us all.

Below, read key excerpts from Nicole Sganga’s article in CBS News: “2 Illinois National Guard members speak out: “I won’t turn against my neighbors””

“Two Illinois National Guard members told CBS News they would refuse to obey federal orders to deploy in Chicago as part of President Trump’s controversial immigration enforcement mission — a rare act of open defiance from within the military ranks.

“It’s disheartening to be forced to go against your community members and your neighbors,” said Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek, a Latina guardswoman and state legislative candidate from Illinois’s 13th District. “It feels illegal. This is not what we signed up to do.”

Both Palecek and Capt. Dylan Blaha, who is running for Congress in the same district, described growing unease among Guard members after the White House federalized 500 troops – including members of the Illinois and Texas National Guard – to secure federal immigration facilities and personnel in the Chicago area.

“I signed up to defend the American people and protect the Constitution,” Blaha said. “When we have somebody in power who’s actively dismantling our rights — free speech, due process, freedom of the press — it’s really hard to be a soldier right now.””

Asked if she would refuse a direct order to deploy to Chicago, Palecek didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. I would definitely say no,” she said. “I’m not going to go against my community members, my family and my culture. I believe this is the time to be on the right side of history.”