A U.S. federal judge on Friday permanently blocked President Donald Trump ‘s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, concluding that the move violated the authority of state and local governments.
The ruling, issued by Judge Karin Immergut, Trump’s own appointee, ends weeks of litigation over the limits of presidential power to send federal forces into cities without his consent.
Judge accuses Trump of overstepping his authority
Judge Immergut ruled that the president exceeded his authority by attempting to mobilize state and federal troops.
This is in response to protests against Border Patrol agents in Portland.
“This case is about whether we are a nation of constitutional law or martial law.”
City attorney Caroline Turco said at the hearing, according to local television reports.
The magistrate had issued two temporary orders earlier in the month:
One that prevented Trump from deploying the Oregon National Guard and a broader one that blocked sending forces from other states, such as California or Texas.
White House to appeal ruling
With Friday’s decision, these measures become permanent, although the White House anticipated that it will appeal the ruling, which could go all the way to the Supreme Court.
The Government defended that it was acting to “protect federal assets and personnel following violent disturbances”.
While local authorities maintain that the violence was limited and controlled by Portland police.
Since August, Trump has sent thousands of National Guard troops, as well as hundreds of agents from various federal agencies to cities governed by Democratic authorities, such as Chicago.
This under the justification of “crime out of control” and prioritizing raids against undocumented migrants, generating confrontations and massive demonstrations.
With information from EFE
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