Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Military Deployment Plans

A federal judge made a significant ruling late Sunday that interrupted President Donald Trump’s plans. US District Judge Karin Immergut determined that the case was unconstitutional, issuing an urgent temporary restraining order to stop the deployment of California State Guard troops. This order also prevents the use of troops from other states, including Washington, DC, in Oregon.

Judge Immergut stated that the actions taken by the Trump administration were in violation of federal law 10 USC §12406 and the 10th Amendment. During related discussions, she pointed out, “It appears to be in violation of both USC §12406 and the 10th Amendment,” as reported by Adam Klasfeld.

In this lively courtroom interaction, Immergut pressed Justice Department lawyer Eric Hamilton on why the DOJ was still pursuing military movements. “Please don’t directly violate the TRO published yesterday,” she remarked, a bit apprehensively. “Has the accused avoided my order?” Hamilton, while denying any wrongdoing, offered a convoluted defense that seemed to miss the mark.

He argued, somewhat confusingly, that Oregon’s regulations ensured a national security deployment, which, in his view, was necessary.

On the other side, Oregon’s Scott Kennedy reflected on the situation, likening it to a “rhetorical Whac-a-Mole game.” This statement came in light of reports suggesting Trump might contemplate sending Texas State Guard troops to Chicago, which seemed a bit off track but worth mentioning.

Although the DOJ requested a stay of the ruling, Immergut denied both the stay and any delays. She asserted that it was an “urgent” matter and that no new information justified a change to the previous ruling. “I handled this in emergencies and have limited briefings,” she explained, adding, “No new information is provided regarding new issues in Portland.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom took to social media following the ruling, celebrating the outcome. He declared, “Destruction: We won in court – again,” claiming a federal judge blocked an unlawful attempt to deploy Trump’s National Guard forces to Portland, emphasizing the success of the temporary restraining order.

The Justice Department, however, maintains that the president has the authority to deploy the National Guard during times of “domestic uncertainty,” which has sparked ongoing debates.