Federal judge issues temporary order preventing Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Oregon.

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order late Sunday, halting the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard units to Oregon. The decision follows a rapid sequence of events initiated earlier in the day when the President mobilized National Guard troops from California to Portland in defiance of a prior ruling that blocked the use of Oregon’s National Guard.

U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut conducted an emergency hearing during which she granted the order sought by the states of California and Oregon. Immergut, who was appointed during Trump’s first term, questioned the legality of the President’s actions, emphasizing the apparent contradiction in sending federalized troops from California shortly after her initial ruling. She inquired about the appropriateness of circumventing her order and expressed disbelief over the federal government’s actions.

The White House has not issued a response regarding this latest ruling. Oregon officials have been actively opposing federal efforts to deploy National Guard troops to assist in controlling protests near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland. Protests have persisted since the beginning of Trump’s second term, escalating in size after the administration’s controversial mobilization of the Oregon National Guard on September 28. At that time, approximately 400 demonstrators gathered outside the facility, prompting federal agents to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Trump has characterized Portland as a “war zone,” suggesting that federal intervention is necessary. However, local officials argue that the protests are confined to a small area away from the city’s downtown, which spans approximately 145 square miles. They have also pointed out that many of the President’s claims and shared imagery seem to reference unrest from 2020, not present-day conditions.

In addition to the ongoing situation in Oregon, the President authorized the deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard troops to Chicago to ensure the safety of federal officers and assets. However, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has expressed opposition to this military involvement, indicating that the situation does not warrant such actions.

During the Sunday hearing, Scott Kennedy, the attorney representing Oregon, informed the court that he had only been made aware of the mobilization of Texas National Guard personnel just prior to the session. The judge’s temporary order will remain in effect for 14 days, with a hearing scheduled for October 17 to discuss potential extensions.

In response to the ruling, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek hailed the decision as a demonstration of the state’s unwillingness to acquiesce to federal overreach, while California Attorney General Rob Bonta condemned the President’s actions as outside of presidential norms. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson criticized the federal agents’ use of force during protests, claiming it exacerbates tensions and undermines the largely peaceful demonstrations.