UPDATE: Oregon officials have just filed a lawsuit seeking to block the deployment of the National Guard in Portland, escalating tensions between state leaders and the Trump administration. The lawsuit comes mere hours after the Defense Department confirmed it would federalize and deploy 200 members of the Oregon National Guard for 60 days to safeguard Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel amid ongoing protests.
The filing, submitted late Sunday evening, argues that the deployment poses a threat to public safety rather than enhancing it. The state contends that the Trump administration’s actions are “provocative and arbitrary,” risking further unrest in a city already grappling with tensions. “These actions undermine public safety by inciting a public outcry,” the lawsuit states.
Earlier on Sunday, the Defense Department notified state leaders of the troop deployment via a memo, prompting swift legal action from Oregon’s government. The lawsuit names President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as defendants, labeling the military presence an “overreach.” The state highlights that the protests targeted by this deployment have been minimal, with “less than thirty people” involved.
Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek expressed her strong opposition during a press conference. “There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our major cities,” she stated. Kotek emphasized that the situation in Oregon is under control and any military presence would escalate existing tensions, describing it as an “abuse of power.”
The lawsuit also asserts that the deployment violates the 10th Amendment, which reserves police powers for the states. The state argues that singling out Portland for federal intervention undermines the constitutional principle of state sovereignty.
In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the deployment, stating, “President Trump is using his lawful authority to direct the National Guard to protect federal assets and personnel in Portland following months of violent riots.” Jackson’s comments highlight the administration’s perspective on the ongoing unrest, which they characterize as a need for federal intervention.
As this situation develops, Oregonians are left to wonder about the implications of federal troop presence in their cities. The lawsuit is set to challenge not only the legality of the National Guard’s deployment but also the broader implications for state-federal relations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds. The implications of this legal battle could reshape the dynamics between state and federal authorities in the coming days.
