Make the Illinois State Guard a standing, active force to protect Illinoisans

In the second Trump administration, Illinoisans face unprecedented onslaughts on women’s rights, civil liberties, LGBT rights, and the rule of law. Trump's "border czar", Tom Homan, has already threatened to use federal troops for civilian law enforcement in deporting undocumented immigrants. Hate groups will also be emboldened to take mass action, which may be tolerated or encouraged by federal forces. The State of Illinois needs an active state force to stand in the way of these violations. With an active duty state military force, the Illinois State Guard, under the sole command of the governor and not able to be federalized, Illinois could help protect its residents’ rights from federal overreach and from hate groups tolerated by the federal government. Illinois state law already provides for the existence of an Illinois State Guard when the Illinois National Guard is under federal command. Please consider legislation expanding the State Guard into a standing military force of a substantial size.