Judge Halts National Guard Deployment in Portland
A federal judge has halted the deployment of the National Guard in Oregon till the end of this week. The judge, who issued this temporary injunction late Sunday, did so just as a previous restraining order was on the brink of expiration. This previous order had barred any National Guard troops from being stationed in Oregon under the president's command.
Reviewing the Evidence
The judge is still sifting through several hundreds of exhibits and arguments that followed a three-day trial that ended last Friday. She has stated that the case has always been about upholding the facts over the president's political whims in applying the law. The judge's decision was deemed by Oregon's Attorney General as a confirmation of the state's right to govern itself and a standing against undesired, unnecessary, and unconstitutional military intervention.
Ongoing Legal Battle
This injunction is a recent development in a month-long legal dispute over the president's attempts to station National Guard troops in Oregon. The president previously mentioned on social media that he would provide all necessary troops to protect Portland, alleging it to be war-torn and under siege by local terrorists.
States Stand Against Troop Deployment
Although this decision is not final, it does indicate the judge is likely to side with Oregon, California, and the city of Portland. They allege the president's attempt to deploy troops is both illegal and a breach of state sovereignty.
Differing Views on the Danger of Protests
In the past week's trial, law enforcement officials had differing opinions about the ongoing protests outside an immigration enforcement building in Portland. While city police testified that protests had largely subsided since their peak in June, federal law enforcement claimed they were outnumbered and required additional support.
No Credible Evidence of Uncontrolled Protests
In a detailed order, the judge stated she found no solid evidence that the protests were out of hand or involved more than isolated instances of violence causing no serious harm to federal personnel. She cited testimony from a Federal Protective Service leader who was surprised to learn about the president's decision to send troops and claimed he had not requested it.
Protests Not a Rebellion
The judge indicated that the situation in Portland had not met the two conditions for calling up the National Guard: inability to enforce federal law or a rebellion. She said that the protests did not amount to a rebellion, based on several dictionary definitions and historical events from the late 1700s. Despite the damage to the immigration enforcement building and its temporary closure, federal law enforcement officers were able to clear the driveway, allowing enforcement operations to continue.
Violence Limited to Isolated Incidents
The judge disagreed with the administration's argument that the protests were a coordinated effort by a terrorist organization. She found that the violence was largely limited to isolated incidents of violent behavior towards federal officers and property damage to a single building. The administration had not provided evidence of an organized group involved in armed hostilities seeking to overthrow a government entity.
The judge's final ruling is expected by the end of this week. Regardless of the decision, it is anticipated that an appeal will follow.
