Durbin and Duckworth Introduce Amendments to Limit Trump Administration's Military Deployment in U.S. Cities

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced seven amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 to counter the Trump Administration's plans to deploy the military to cities across the country, including Chicago. The amendments aim to enhance congressional oversight, prevent the misuse of the military for law enforcement operations, and protect civil rights. Durbin and Duckworth's efforts come in response to the Trump Administration's threats to deploy troops to Chicago without the consent of Illinois' elected leaders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The seven amendments introduced by Durbin and Duckworth target the Trump Administration's plans to deploy the military to cities across the country, including Chicago.
  • Amendment #3028 prohibits the use of military construction funds for detaining migrants, while Amendment #3209 draws a clear line between military and policing by prohibiting individuals from serving in both the Department of Defense and civilian law enforcement entities.
  • Amendment #3210 requires the President to notify Congress and justify in writing before providing access to military equipment, bases, or facilities to support law enforcement, and requires Congressional approval to extend such support longer than 30 days.
  • Amendment #3596 prohibits DoD non-reimbursable support to DHS for immigration enforcement activities, which has raised civil liberties concerns and risks eroding trust in the military.
  • Amendment #3774 prohibits the use of DoD funds for activities that would violate the Posse Comitatus Act or infringe on powers reserved to the States under the Constitution.
  • Amendment #3775 ensures applicability of the Posse Comitatus Act on the National Guard, closing an unintended loophole President Trump has abused to deploy National Guard troops across state lines for law enforcement support.
  • Amendment #3773 prohibits the use of funds for DoD deployment of National Guard forces under Title 32 authorities in a state or federal territory over the objections of the chief executive.

Statistics:

  • The Trump Administration has dedicated expensive DOD platforms, assets, and facilities for support to law enforcement in five states, including Ft. Bliss, which was once used for Japanese internment.
  • The Department of Defense has provided non-reimbursable support to DHS on a non-reimbursable basis for immigration enforcement activities, effectively forsaking Congressionally directed defense funds.

Sources:

  • Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Washington, D.C. ( exact source not mentioned in the original text)
  • U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Committee Hearings, and Committee Reports (no specific source mentioned in the original text)