A federal judge will decide on Friday whether to temporarily stop the Trump administration from sending National Guard troops into Oregon. The move is part of Trump’s broader effort to target Democrat-led cities, which he claims are full of crime and unrest.
Earlier this week, both Oregon state and Portland city officials filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. They argue that sending troops to Portland is illegal, calling Trump’s claims that the city is “war-ravaged” and dangerous greatly exaggerated.
Disagreement Over the Situation in Portland
President Trump and his team have pointed to protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland, calling them violent riots connected to Antifa. However, local officials say the protests have been small and peaceful lately, and there have been no arrests since June.
The judge originally assigned to the case, Michael Simon, stepped down on Thursday. The Justice Department raised concerns because his wife, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, had publicly criticized the deployment. A new judge, Karin Immergut, who was appointed by Trump, will now handle the case.
About the Deployment
So far, around 200 National Guard soldiers from Oregon have been mobilized, according to the Oregon Military Department. But it’s not clear if any have actually been deployed to Portland yet.
Trump said on Wednesday that the National Guard is “already in place” in Portland. But local leaders, including Portland Police Chief Bob Day, say the troops are not yet on the ground and are still undergoing training about 100 miles away from the city. Senator Jeff Merkley also confirmed that the troops are currently being prepared at a separate location.
Legal Arguments and Concerns
The lawsuit argues that the President cannot use state National Guard troops for civilian law enforcement unless it’s in response to a rebellion or a foreign invasion — very specific situations outlined in federal law. The law also says such actions must go through the state governor, not just the president.
The Trump administration says the deployment is to protect federal property and ICE facilities, and that the troops are there to support federal law enforcement, not to police civilians.
A White House source told CNN the real goal is part of Trump’s broader plan to crack down on crime nationwide using the military. Protecting ICE buildings gives the administration a justification to send in the troops, the source said.
Fears of More Unrest
City officials and Democratic leaders are deeply concerned that bringing in the National Guard could increase tensions and lead to larger protests or violence.
Senator Merkley said during a press conference, “The president is sending troops to create chaos and provoke more unrest. He wants to make Portland look like the disaster he describes. But we’re not going to fall for it.”
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has defended the decision. Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell told CNN that the National Guard troops are there to support federal agencies, enforce federal law, and protect government property.