A federal judge in Oregon has prolonged temporary restraining orders preventing President Donald Trump’s administration from sending National Guard troops to police Portland. The judge’s decision came as the administration awaits a ruling from a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco regarding lifting the orders.
U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, based in Portland, extended the orders by 14 days during a telephonic hearing, citing timing concerns. She had initially issued the orders on October 4 and October 5, barring Trump from taking control of Oregon’s National Guard and from bringing in National Guard troops from other states to bypass her initial decision.
Immergut, appointed by Trump, stated that the protests in Portland did not constitute a rebellion or significantly disrupt law enforcement, contradicting Trump’s portrayal of the city as being in a state of war. A trial is scheduled to commence on October 29 to determine if a longer-term injunction is necessary based on the situation on the ground.
During the hearing, a Justice Department lawyer opposed Immergut’s extension of the restraining orders, while the White House refrained from immediate comment on the matter.