'Deploying National Guard Raises Serious Constitutional Concerns': Sen. Rachel Ventura Declares

JOLIET, IL— State Senator Rachel Ventura, a Joliet Democrat, released the following statement regarding the deployment of the National Guard:

“The deployment of troops from other states is not only shameful and unnecessary — it’s a blatant abuse of power. Illinois has a long and proud history of protecting its people and welcoming those whose rights have been threatened elsewhere, and we won’t allow our communities to be targeted simply because the president doesn’t agree with these values.

“Deploying the National Guard raises serious constitutional concerns about due process. When shortcuts are taken around these constitutional safeguards, those expanded powers rarely stay limited to their original targets. Protecting due process is about ensuring government power remains checked and that everyone retains their constitutional rights.

“Today, I’m calling on our community to rise above those who seek to divide us. Instead of turning to the shameful tactics of violence, we find our strength in one another. We must show up and demonstrate peacefully in the face of this overreach. It is our shared humanity — not hatred — that binds us together."