Last month, the state of Oregon filed a federal lawsuit in hopes of blocking President Trump from deploying National Guard troops to Portland, arguing that the move is unconstitutional as well as unnecessary.
This decision came, when just the day prior, Trump announced the deployment of 200 members of the Oregon National Guard to Portland in order to “protect federal property” and support the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Saying it was needed in order to stop violent protests, describing the city as “war-ravaged” and saying he authorized “full force, if necessary.”
Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon, called the decision an abuse of power that undermined the state’s authority. Saying that “There is no insurrection or threat to public safety that necessitates military intervention” and that “Local law enforcement has this under control.”
In fact Oregon officials have stated that though there are protests taking place, the protests near Portland’s ICE facility have been small and peaceful and often consisted of less than 30 demonstrators.
Despite this, White House officials defended the move, saying that Trump is exercising his lawful authority to protect federal personnel. With the Department of Homeland Security even claiming that 26 people have been charged with federal crimes in Oregon related to protest, including arson and assault on police officers, though Oregon officials dispute this claim.
On October 5 and 6, Federal Judge Karin Immergut, who was appointed by Trump, issued two rulings blocking the administration from sending National Guard troops from any state to Portland. Which is in effect until the 19th. Saying that there is “no evidence that recent protests necessitated the presence of National Guard troops” and warning that Trump’s approach could “blur the line between civil and military power.”
This ruling has been extended until the end of the week. The federal judge is expected to make a final order on Friday, November 7.
