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President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered 300 California National Guard troops to deploy to Portland, Oregon, despite a federal court ruling blocking him from sending troops to the state in a move that quickly prompted California Gov. Gavin Newsom to file suit.
“After a federal court blocked his attempt to federalize the Oregon National Guard, Donald Trump is deploying 300 California National Guard personnel into Oregon,” Newsom wrote on X, calling the decision “un-American.” He added, “We are taking this fight back to court. The public cannot stay silent in the face of such reckless and authoritarian conduct.”
The deployment came hours after U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut temporarily barred the Trump administration from sending 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland. In her Saturday ruling, Immergut said the president’s order violated federal law restricting military involvement in domestic law enforcement and was “untethered to the facts” surrounding recent protests.
The White House defended Trump’s actions, saying he used his “lawful authority to protect federal assets and personnel in Portland following violent riots and attacks on law enforcement.”
Portland has seen months of unrest surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, where protesters have clashed with federal agents. Officials say demonstrators have thrown fireworks and rocks at buildings and targeted ICE employees at their homes.
Newsom filed a lawsuit late Sunday, and Immergut issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration from deploying National Guard units from any state to Oregon. “Trump’s abuse of power won’t stand,” Newsom said after the ruling.
Trump has accused Oregon officials of allowing “domestic terrorists” to attack federal property and last week directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to deploy “all necessary troops” to restore order. Federal officials have stated that the deployments are necessary to ensure the security of immigration authorities and federal facilities.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also announced a Justice Department investigation into Portland’s handling of the protests, citing concerns over local law enforcement’s response.
