2 Illinois National Guard members speak out: "I won't turn against my neighbors"

[sheshe2]

Chicago — 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."

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/illinois-national-guard-members-speak-out-i-wont-turn-against-my-neighbors/

"Today, it's Chicago. Tomorrow it could be somewhere else."

Be a Patriotic American. Dare to stand up to authoritarianism. Run for office.

❤️ RESIST!! ✊️

— (@2diamondeyes.bsky.social) 2025-10-27T23:23:36.044Z

............................................

It's a start.

[SheltieLover]

1. Kick

[Moostache]

2. THAT is what REAL patriotism looks like.

Palecek and Blaha pack the gear necessary to defend a FREE nation. A hearty salute to them both!

[bluestarone]

3. It's a start!

TY soldiers!! May millions follow your path.

[brer cat]

4. May they be an inspiration for many, many more.

[sheshe2]

5. I hope so, brer.

[sheshe2]

7. I added this to my OP!

"Today, it's Chicago. Tomorrow it could be somewhere else."

Be a Patriotic American. Dare to stand up to authoritarianism. Run for office.

❤️ RESIST!! ✊️

— (@2diamondeyes.bsky.social) 2025-10-27T23:23:36.044Z

[littlemissmartypants]

15. ❤️

[UTUSN]

6. Hear hear!!!!!

[Cha]

8. This is So Encouraging to See.. May it be the

beginning of Rebellion among the Military to BUCK the Dictator Traitor.

"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".

From your link, she.. TY.. They're So Brave

Palecek says members of military are "being used as pawns"

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."

"Look at 1930s, 1940s Germany," Blaha said. "There is a point where if you didn't stand up to the Gestapo, are you just actively one of them now?"

No Doubt!

[sheshe2]

9. They are not the only ones, there are others.

I guess we will see.

[Grim Chieftain]

10. The West Point motto comes to mind

Duty. Honor. Country. May the brave actions of these Illinois National Guard members be just the beginning.

[sheshe2]

11. Agreed.

I sure hope it is the beginning as well.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

12. We're going to see more and more of this as the military starts turning against Been A Dick Donald and his toadies.

I've talked with alot of active, reserve and former Marines and they are all in agreement, if Been A Dick Donald orders the military to start "teaching these left wing lunatics a lesson", they will refuse to obey an illegal order and let the chips fall where they may.

[Elessar Zappa]

14. That's my sense too.

[Jack Valentino]

13. It doesn't just "feel illegal", it IS ILLEGAL! There is no emergency in Chicago, except

the one that Trump's government is trying to create there
by acting the part of Hitler's Gestapo agents....

[FakeNoose]

16. This is the tip of the iceberg

I believe the National Guard members (mostly guys, but gals too) are decent, peaceful people who do NOT want to do violence against anyone, let alone their fellow citizens. Yes we're talking about Illinois here, but every state has its own National Guard, filled with people who are there to serve honorably.

Do they want use their weapons? No, but they will if they have to, only under orders and only if there's no other way to keep the peace. For the most part they will serve the Governor and other leaders by keeping the peace without killing or injuring Americans who are exercising their right to freedom of speech.

THIS IS NOT ABOUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ... and they know it!

[Emile]

17. They honor the oath they took!

[sheshe2]

18. They do!

Sadly trump, his admin and all the maga/gop lawmakers refuse to honor theirs.

They are traitors, every last one of them.

[GoodRaisin]

19. These are what real patriots look like.

Not that fake shit pushed by magats and Fox News.