Operation Legend: A Precedent for Current National Guard Deployments Operation Legend was initiated in July 2020 as a federal law enforcement effort aimed at combating violent crime in major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Kansas City, and Albuquerque. The operation involved the deployment of additional federal agents to assist local law enforcement in addressing spikes in violent crime. While the effectiveness of Operation Legend was debated, it set a precedent for federal intervention in local law enforcement matters. Fast forward to 2025, and we see a similar strategy with the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. This move echoes the logic of Operation Legend, reinforcing the idea of federal support in maintaining public safety. However, it also raises questions about whether this signals a totalitarian tiptoe towards a police state, highlighting concerns about the balance between security and civil liberties.