Temporary Injunction Again Blocks National Guard Deployment In Portland – KXL

PORTLAND, OR – On Sunday, a federal judge issued temporary injunction that allows Oregon’s National Guard troops to remain federalized but prevents the Trump administration from deploying those troops in Portland.  The order will remain in place until the court issues a final ruling, possibly by the end of this week.

U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut barred the administration from authorizing the deployment of National Guard troops from Oregon, Texas, and California.  It extends to any similar orders and will remain in effect until 5:00 p.m. Pacific time on November 7th.  It’s then that Judge Immergut has said that she will issue a final ruling on whether a permanent injunction will be granted.

The judge referenced the large amount evidence and testimony presented by both sides in the case as the reason for issuing the temporary injunction.  She wrote, “the interest of justice requires that this Court complete a thorough review of the exhibits and trial transcripts before issuing a final decision on the merits.”

Immergut also cast doubt on the justification given by the Trump administration for deployment of the National Guard.

“Based on the trial testimony, this Court finds no credible evidence that during the approximately two months before the President’s federalization order, protests grew out of control or involved more than isolated and sporadic instances of violent conduct that resulted in no serious injuries to federal personnel,” she wrote.

Immergut noted that testimony from Portland police officials about demonstrators outside the local Immigrations and Customs Enforcement building  were key to her conclusion that the protests there did not amount to a rebellion requiring federal intervention.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield praised the Sunday ruling.

“(Sunday’s) ruling is a step toward truth and accountability. From the beginning, this case has been about making sure the facts—not the President’s political whims—guide how the law is applied,” Rayfield.  We’re grateful the court is taking the time to get it right, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to protect Oregon’s ability to govern itself and keep our communities safe.”