A federal judge has again stopped President Donald Trump from sending National Guard troops into Oregon.
Judge Karin Immergut issued a second emergency order late Sunday, blocking the deployment of troops from any state. The move comes as protests outside Portland’s ICE facility continue and legal tensions escalate.
Why the ruling happened
The Trump administration attempted to send 400 Texas Guard members and 300 from California, just a day after the court stopped him from deploying Oregon’s own Guard.
During an emergency Sunday night hearing, Judge Immergut directly questioned federal attorneys.
“Aren’t defendants simply circumventing my order?” she asked. “Why is this appropriate?”
The judge issued a temporary restraining order lasting through October 17, unless extended.
Oregon leaders speak out
After the decision, Oregon’s top officials responded quickly.
- Gov. Tina Kotek called it a “misuse of states’ National Guard”
- Attorney General Dan Rayfield said the president is playing “whack-a-mole” with different Guard units
- Portland Mayor Keith Wilson emphasized that local law enforcement is capable of managing the situation
“If Portland doesn’t need troops from Oregon, we certainly don’t need them from Texas or California,” Wilson said.
Who is Judge Karin Immergut?
Though Trump appointed her in 2019, Judge Immergut has built a reputation as a nonpartisan and fearless legal mind. Former colleagues across party lines describe her as:
- Detail-oriented
- Independent
- Unmoved by politics
She has handled major cases, including:
- The Clinton Whitewater investigation in the 1990s
- Oregon’s Measure 114 gun control ruling
- The wrongful arrest of Brandon Mayfield in a terrorism case
“She follows the facts. That’s it,” said former U.S. Attorney Billy Williams. “She’s exactly where she needs to be.”
Protests grow in Portland
While the legal fight plays out in court, tensions remain high in the streets.
- Demonstrators continue gathering outside the ICE facility in South Portland
- KATU crews saw three arrests, along with chemical agents used on the crowd
- Both supporters and critics of the Guard deployment appeared on site
Activist Leilani Payne, recently pepper-sprayed, vowed to continue protesting.
“I will not stop,” she said. “I want this building gone.”
What Trump’s team is saying
The White House has not officially responded to the judge’s latest order. However, Trump and allies like Stephen Miller have criticized the court’s decision.
Some argue that as commander-in-chief, Trump has the right to deploy troops. Others, including Judge Immergut, say there’s no legal justification for it under the circumstances.
A longer-term ruling could come on October 29, when the court hears arguments for a preliminary injunction.
Why this case matters nationally
This legal battle isn’t just about Oregon. It could set a national precedent on how and when a president can use the National Guard across state lines.
If the Trump administration continues to challenge the ruling, the case may trigger a constitutional showdown between federal power and state rights.
“We’re still a nation of laws,” said Williams. “That applies to everyone—including the president.”
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