Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Seize Control of the Oregon National Guard

Oregon National Guard Deployment By Trump Stopped By Judge

In the lawsuit filed by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield last Sunday after Trump threatened to send troops into Portland, citing ‘Antifa Hellfire,’ United States District Judge Karin Immergut of the United States District Court for the District of Oregon handed down the TRO yesterday afternoon, after hearing the arguments on Friday.

AG Rayfield said, “Today’s ruling is a healthy check on the President’s power.”

Trump had not met the requirements required by Congress to federalize the National Guard, despite claiming that protesters at the South Portland ICE facility had “resorted to vicious tactics to thwart and intimidate the public servants.”

Governor Kotek said that the only threat we face is to our democracy, and President Donald Trump is leading it. She said, “While the President plays politics, Oregon will stay focused on solving the real problems facing our communities.”

The temporary order is in place for 14 days. The Oregon DOJ will return to court to continue this order, ultimately seeking a preliminary injunction before a judge on October 26, which will last for an even longer period of time.

Rayfield indicated that it is likely the Trump Administration will appeal to the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals, but noted that this will have to wait until his office obtains a preliminary injunction.

He asks everyone to respect the ruling and said, “If you protest, do so peacefully. And be respectful of law enforcement and National Guard members.”

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said the ruling confirms that the federal government overstepped its authority. He said, “The number of federal troops that are needed or wanted is zero.”

Gov. Tina Kotek thanked Attorney General Rayfield and his team for their great work. She said, “Today’s ruling validates what Oregonians already know: justice has been served, and the truth has prevailed.”