Portland Awaits Judge’s Swift Decision on Federal Troop Deployment
Portland Awaits Judge’s Swift Decision on Federal Troop Deployment
U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut concluded a critical hearing Friday morning, promising a “very quick” decision that could dramatically alter the deployment of federalized Oregon National Guard soldiers to Portland. The City of Portland and the Oregon Department of Justice are seeking a temporary restraining order to block the mobilization of 200 troops, arguing it would cause “irreparable harm” and infringe on local sovereignty.
The federal government, however, contends the deployment is a necessary “token force” to protect federal buildings and personnel, citing a perceived failure by Portland police to control ongoing protests outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office in South Portland. Tensions escalated overnight Thursday, leading to arrests by both federal agents and local police amid renewed demonstrations.
Attorneys for Portland and Oregon testified that local authorities had the protests under control, describing them as “sleepy affairs” before the federal intervention. Conversely, federal lawyers assert that Portland police abandoned their duties, leading to assaults on federal officers, property damage, and attempts to disrupt operations at the ICE facility, which was previously closed for weeks due to unrest. Judge Immergut’s imminent ruling will determine the immediate future of federal military presence in Oregon’s largest city.
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