Let’s put things simply: U.S. states are now having to defend themselves against the federal government.

In a remarkable Oct. 6 news conference, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and other elected officials made clear they will protect Chicagoans and the other residents of the state from President Donald Trump’s federal forces, be they Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents or out-of-state National Guard troops.

Highlighting a “military-style raid” on a Chicago apartment building and the use of teargas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters, Pritzker said of ICE agents and other federal law enforcement officers Trump dispatched to the city: “They have struck fear in our communities, including, notably, fear in the hearts of U.S. citizens. Trump and the thuggery that his agents have brought has actively made us less safe.”

Illinois officials sued Trump on Oct. 6 to stop him from sending Texas National Guard troops into Chicago. A judge gave the government three days to respond.

Another federal judge over the weekend granted Oregon’s request for a restraining order keeping........

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