Court Halts Deployment of California National Guard to Portland

In a significant judicial decision, the deployment of the California National Guard to Portland was temporarily halted by federal Judge Karin Immergut. This move came after an attempt by the Trump administration to circumvent previous legal restrictions on sending military forces into the city. The administration’s response labeled this intervention as “judicial insurrection,” underscoring a tense moment in American governance and civil-military relations.

During an emergency hearing, Judge Immergut ruled that the Pentagon’s order, which aimed to deploy 200 National Guard troops from California along with additional forces from Texas, was an attempt to override her earlier decision. This prior ruling had blocked efforts to send Oregon National Guard units into Portland against the state’s wishes amid ongoing protests outside a federal immigration detention center.

The legal tussle underscores America’s longstanding tradition of resisting overreach in military involvement in civil affairs—a principle deeply embedded in its constitutional framework, as highlighted by Judge Immergut. She emphasized that this is a nation governed by constitutional law rather than martial dictates, reinforcing the separation between civilian governance and military intervention.

In response, Stephen Miller, a senior advisor to former President Donald Trump, condemned the ruling as an unprecedented violation of constitutional order. He asserted that it was not within judicial purview to prevent military leaders from deploying forces to protect federal property—a viewpoint echoed by Trump himself, who criticized the legal counsel guiding his administration’s appointments during his first term.

California Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated the court’s decision, which he interpreted as a rebuff of attempts to politicize the National Guard. The deployment had been part of broader unrest management efforts initiated in response to immigration enforcement protests, reflecting national tensions over civil rights and federal authority.

Protests have persisted in Portland for over a week outside an ICE facility, attracting hundreds daily with occasional clashes involving federal agents. In these confrontations, law enforcement has deployed tear gas and flashbang grenades, while counter-demonstrators supporting Trump’s stance have also made appearances. President Trump likened the situation to World War II scenes, describing Portland as “devastated by war.”

The deployment of National Guard troops is not unique to Portland; similar actions were taken in cities like Los Angeles amidst violent protests and in Washington D.C. for crime prevention efforts. Recent military assignments included sending 300 Texas National Guard members to Chicago.

This situation reflects broader debates over civil unrest, federal power, and the role of the military in American society—a conversation that continues to evolve as national leaders navigate complex socio-political landscapes.

For more detailed coverage on this ongoing legal and social saga, refer to the original article at Nowy Dziennik (opens in a new page).