UPDATE: A federal judge has permanently blocked the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, ruling that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority. This ruling follows a three-day trial and comes amid ongoing protests at an ICE facility in Portland.
Judge Karin Immergut issued the decision on October 25, 2025, confirming that the deployment was not legally justified. The judge stated, “The evidence demonstrates that these deployments, which were objected to by Oregon’s governor and not requested by the federal officials in charge of protection of the ICE building, exceeded the president’s authority.”
The ruling has significant implications as it addresses the balance of power between federal and state authorities during a time of civil unrest. Judge Immergut dismissed the Trump administration’s claim that immigration-related protests constituted a rebellion, which could justify federal intervention. “Even giving great deference to the President’s determination, the President did not have a lawful basis to federalize the National Guard,” she declared.
This decision arrives at a critical moment as Trump has threatened similar actions in other Democratic-run cities, including Chicago. The ruling is expected to go to a higher court, as Judge Immergut acknowledged that the legal standards for military deployment in U.S. cities merit further examination.
Protests continue at the Portland ICE facility, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies. Local officials have celebrated the decision as a victory for state rights and a check on presidential overreach.
As the situation unfolds, the spotlight remains on the legal battles over executive authority, and the implications for future deployments of the National Guard across the country. This ruling could set a significant precedent for how federal and state governments operate during periods of civil unrest.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
