U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the mobilization and federalization of 400 members of the Texas National Guard to “carry out federal protection missions as needed, including in the cities of Portland and Chicago.” This directive comes after the Trump Administration’s earlier attempt to deploy federalized Oregon National Guard troops to Portland—against the governor’s objections—was blocked by a federal judge appointed by President Donald J. Trump.

The White House is now sending federalized troops from one state into cities located in states the president has publicly labeled as “enemies” of the United States. This move marks an extremely dangerous moment for the country and represents one of the most significant challenges to states’ rights since the Civil Rights Movement—perhaps even since the Civil War.