Judge Blocks Trump’s National Guard Deployment to Portland

A federal judge has intervened to stop President Donald Trump’s initiative to send National Guard troops to Portland, arguing that the action would breach constitutional limitations on military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

U.S. District Judge Karin Imargat, appointed by Trump, issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from dispatching hundreds of troops to Oregon. Reports indicate that the judge believed Trump’s interpretation of events was not aligned with reality.

“The president’s determination was simply at odds with the facts,” Imargat noted in her decision.

She highlighted that protests outside the immigration facility in South Portland had mostly been peaceful prior to Trump’s orders. “Overall, the protest was small and peaceful,” she was quoted as saying.

Last week, Trump announced plans to deploy 200 National Guard members to assist immigration officials, labeling the participants as “domestic terrorists.” He had called for military leaders to send in “all necessary troops.”

The White House quickly countered the ruling. A spokesperson, Abigail Jackson, stated, “President Trump has used his legitimate authority to protect federal assets and personnel in Portland following violent riots and attacks on law enforcement. We anticipate that this will be upheld by the High Court.”

The temporary restraining order will last for 14 days.

Federal officials noted that the ICE detention center has faced over 100 nights of attacks with little support from local law enforcement.

On Saturday, federal agents responded to hundreds of protesters by deploying tear gas, mace, and pepper spray. Additionally, Trump ordered the administration to pinpoint federal funding to be withheld from Portland as a consequence for the persistent unrest.

“We don’t fund states that allow disorder,” commented White House Press Director Carolyn Leavitt.