National Guard troops stun with rare vow to defy Trump’s orders: ‘Stand up to the Gestapo’

President Donald Trump may be the nation’s commander in chief, but two National Guard soldiers have made it clear they won’t follow any order from him that goes against the law or the U.S. Constitution.

Both soldiers, who serve in the Illinois National Guard, told CBS News they want nothing to do with Trump’s plan to send troops to Chicago to help deport immigrants. Their refusal, described by the outlet as “a rare act of open defiance within the military,” has drawn attention across the country.

Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek, one of the soldiers, said she feels heartbroken and angry about the situation. “It’s disheartening to be forced to go against your community members and your neighbors,” she said. Palecek, who is Latina and currently running for a seat in the Illinois state legislature, added that the order feels wrong on every level. “It feels illegal. This is not what we signed up to do,” she said, emphasizing that her duty is to protect Americans, not turn against them.

She’s not alone. Capt. Dylan Blaha, another Illinois Guardsman and a candidate for Congress in the state’s 13th District, said that many of his fellow soldiers feel the same unease. According to Blaha, Trump’s decision to federalize 500 troops to Chicago created moral and legal confusion within the ranks. “I signed up to defend the American people and protect the Constitution,” he said. “But when the person in power is actively dismantling rights like free speech, due process, and freedom of the press — it’s really hard to wear this uniform right now.”

Both soldiers know their decision could come at a high price. Under military law, defying a direct order could lead to court-martial, imprisonment, or even a felony-level discharge, depending on who issued the command and whether they were serving under state or federal authority at the time. Still, they insist they will stand by their principles.

“If my superior officer orders me to deploy,” Palecek said firmly, “I would absolutely refuse. I’m not going to go against my family, my neighbors, or my community. I want to be on the right side of history.”

Blaha echoed her resolve, warning that blind obedience to unlawful commands has led to dark chapters in history. “Look at 1930s and 1940s Germany,” he said. “At some point, if you don’t stand up to the Gestapo, you become part of them.”

For now, the deployment order is on hold while legal challenges move forward, and the matter may eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court for a final decision.

Both soldiers say they hope their stance inspires others in uniform to remember that loyalty to the Constitution comes before loyalty to any one leader — even the president.