In a sweeping rebuke of federal overreach, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut issued a temporary restraining order on Sunday blocking the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. The decision halts efforts to send troops from Oregon, California, and Texas to the city, citing constitutional violations and a lack of factual justification for military involvement.
⚖️ Judge Immergut’s Ruling
Judge Immergut, a Trump appointee, ruled that the administration’s attempt to federalize state National Guard units violated the Tenth Amendment, which reserves police powers to the states. Her decision followed an emergency hearing where she questioned the legality of deploying troops from other states after previously blocking the use of Oregon’s own Guard.
Immergut emphasized that the protests in Portland did not rise to the level of rebellion or lawlessness that would justify federal intervention. She warned that accepting the administration’s arguments would allow the president to “send military troops virtually anywhere at any time,” blurring the line between civil and military authority.
🚨 Background and Legal Challenge
The Trump administration had ordered the deployment of hundreds of National Guard members from Texas and California to Portland, citing threats to federal property and personnel. Oregon and Portland officials filed suit, arguing that the move was politically motivated and lacked legal grounding.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the federal action “a breathtaking abuse of the law and power,” while Oregon Governor Tina Kotek accused the administration of attempting to sidestep judicial oversight.
📅 What’s Next
The restraining order remains in effect until at least October 19, while Oregon and California pursue a longer-term injunction. The Trump administration has filed an appeal with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, maintaining that the president acted within his authority to protect federal assets.
As legal battles continue, the ruling underscores a growing tension between federal power and state sovereignty—especially in cities governed by Democratic leaders.