PORTLAND, Oregon — U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut halted the federal deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, marking the second court order to block the move.
The ruling stated that no substantial evidence showed the city’s protests were beyond the control of local law enforcement before President Joe Biden’s decision to federalize the troops.
Officials seeking the deployment argued that additional federal assistance was necessary to maintain order during ongoing demonstrations addressing police violence and racial justice.
The protests, which have continued intermittently since 2020, have drawn nationwide attention.
Judge Immergut ruled that the federalization lacked justification under current conditions. Her decision cited the absence of credible documentation proving that Portland’s protests had escalated into a crisis warranting federal intervention.
She emphasized that such actions require clear evidence that local authorities can no longer manage public safety.
Oregon officials have expressed divided opinions about the deployment.
Federal and local officials are reviewing the ruling to determine their next steps.