Illinois quick hits: National Guard restraining order extended; economic growth above trend

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

National Guard restraining order extended

Following an agreement between the state of Illinois and the federal government, U.S. District Court Judge April Perry has extended a temporary restraining order blocking the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago until a final decision on the state’s lawsuit is reached.

Perry said extending the TRO would give the parties time to submit well-reasoned legal briefs and motions.

Both parties agreed to submit a joint status report within 24 hours if the Supreme Court were to issue a ruling in the case.

ICE issues detainer for Nicaraguan charged with rape

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced the lodging of an arrest detainer for a Nicaraguan man charged with raping a 54-year-old woman on Aug. 31.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that Leyter Jeferson Arauz-Medina is a criminal illegal alien who was released into the U.S. by the Biden administration in 2024.

The arrest detainer is a request to local authorities to notify ICE before Arauz-Medina is released, but DHS said Chicago is a sanctuary city that rarely honors ICE detainers.

Economic growth above trend

The Chicago Fed Survey of Economic Conditions Activity Index increased to +15 in October from –14 in September, suggesting that economic growth was above trend.

The CFSEC Nonmanufacturing Activity Index also increased, from -19 in September to +16 in October.

The National Financial Conditions Index was unchanged at –0.55 in the week ending Oct. 17, suggesting steady financial conditions.

The CFSEC is a survey of organizations in Illinois and four other states.