Oregon Sues Trump to Block National Guard Deployment in Portland, Citing Legal Violations and Fear of Escalation

Authorities in the US state of Oregon filed a lawsuit yesterday, Sunday, demanding an immediate halt to President Donald Trump's order to deploy National Guard troops in the city of Portland. The lawsuit challenges the decision to transfer 200 Oregon National Guard soldiers to federal authority, arguing that their use for civilian law enforcement could violate the law.

The suit, filed in an Oregon state court, targets Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen.

Oregon authorities contend that Trump’s move is "driven by his desire to normalize the use of military forces in local law enforcement activities," particularly in states run by his political rivals. They argue there is no need for the National Guard in Portland, stating that protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were small and peaceful, contrary to Trump's claims. They warned that the "heavy deployment of troops threatens to escalate tension and incite new unrest."

Governor and Mayor Oppose Military Presence

Governor Tina Kotek, a Democrat, confirmed she had not received any details or a timeline regarding the National Guard deployment. She stated emphatically to reporters: "There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military forces in our great city."

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson supported the Governor's stance, insisting that no troops are necessary. He added that Trump "will not find any chaos or violence here unless he plans it himself," describing the order as "a show of force, but nothing more than a big show."

Officials in Portland fear a repeat of the violent clashes of summer 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. This defiance comes despite a notable reduction in crime rates, with violent crimes decreasing and murder rates dropping by 51% in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Trump Orders Use of 'Full Force' to Protect ICE Facilities

Conversely, Trump confirmed he had instructed the Secretary of War to send troops to Portland to protect the besieged ICE facilities from members of "Antifa" and others he labeled "domestic terrorists." Trump added in a post on his "Truth Social" platform that he authorized the troops to use "full force if required."

Shawn Parnell, spokesperson for the Department of War (Pentagon), stated that military personnel are "on standby to mobilize US Army personnel to support Department of Homeland Security operations in Portland, as directed by the President." DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News that ICE agents "need protection" amidst protests against undocumented immigration campaigns, stressing: "We will not tolerate this. This administration is not kidding."

It is noted that Trump has fulfilled his election promise to pursue undocumented immigrants, having previously sent National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington D.C. However, a federal judge had previously barred his administration from deploying these forces in California for crime fighting, deeming it illegal.