Court Temporarily Blocks Trump's Military Deployment in Portland

A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order against President Donald Trump, preventing him from deploying military forces to Portland, Oregon, amidst ongoing protests related to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The ruling prohibits the federal government from placing the National Guard under federal control and deploying them to Portland until at least October 18. A more comprehensive hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 29.

The decision marks a significant setback for Trump, who has sought to send troops into major cities, often facing widespread opposition. Recently, a California court also barred the federal government from using military forces for civil enforcement in Los Angeles.

The city of Portland and the state of Oregon filed a lawsuit against the anticipated military intervention, arguing that it is unlawful and infringes upon their rights to manage their own law enforcement and National Guard operations. The state emphasized its sovereign authority in these matters.

Trump has frequently cited public safety and crime reduction as key objectives for his military deployments, targeting cities governed by Democrats. His administration has previously dispatched troops to quell protests against ICE raids, which have sparked significant unrest.

Critics have accused Trump of using the National Guard as a political tool to intimidate adversaries and create a spectacle rather than genuinely addressing public safety concerns. There are fears that the tensions in urban areas could escalate in response to ongoing ICE operations.

Typically, state governors have command over the National Guard, but the President can assume control in times of war or national emergency. The National Guard serves as a reserve military force and can be mobilized for various domestic situations, including natural disasters and civil unrest.

Trump had previously sent troops to Los Angeles with the aim of suppressing protests against ICE activities. Additionally, he ordered the National Guard's presence in Washington, D.C. to address what he perceived as rising crime rates in the capital.