A federal judge in Oregon issued a temporary block on Sunday to prevent the Donald Trump administration from deploying around 200 federalized California National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. This decision marks a setback for the president’s efforts to send military personnel to cities despite opposition from Democratic leaders.
The ruling by US District Judge Karin Immergut came in response to a lawsuit jointly filed by California and Oregon to halt the controversial deployment, which had garnered strong criticism from the governors of both states. Just a day earlier, Immergut had temporarily halted Trump from sending 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland, citing a lack of evidence to justify the move amid recent protests.
During a hearing on Sunday night, Immergut questioned a Trump administration lawyer on how deploying federalized National Guard troops from California would not directly contradict the previous ruling. As a result of Immergut’s decision on Sunday, the Trump administration is prohibited from dispatching the California troops to Portland while the legal proceedings unfold.
Neither the White House nor the Pentagon immediately commented on the judge’s order. Earlier on Sunday, the Pentagon had announced plans to deploy 200 California National Guard troops to Oregon to assist US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal personnel in carrying out official duties and protecting federal property.
National Guard troops are typically under the command of state governors unless federalized. Trump had argued that deploying these troops in Portland was necessary to address protests at an immigration facility in the city. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concerns over the deployment and criticized the Trump administration for what he deemed as an abuse of power.
The ongoing legal battle over the deployment of National Guard troops underscores Trump’s increasing use of the military in various domestic situations. Despite objections from local officials, Trump has shown a willingness to send troops to different cities, asserting his authority over states’ National Guard units.
In response to the federalization of the Oregon National Guard, Oregon and Portland officials contended that Trump’s actions were an overreach and violated federal laws, as well as the state’s autonomy in policing its residents. Trump, in defending his decision, reiterated his portrayal of Portland as a city plagued by lawlessness and unrest.
Immergut, appointed by Trump in his first term, emphasized the importance of balancing presidential authority with respect for legal boundaries and the role of the military. Trump criticized Immergut after the ruling, questioning the judge’s decision and the advice he received regarding judicial appointments.
The Trump administration has appealed Immergut’s ruling on the Oregon National Guard troops, arguing that historical precedent grants the president the authority to call up National Guard units as needed.