SAN FRANCISCO, 21 October (H.S.): A U.S. appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump can deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, overturning a lower court's order that had blocked the move. The decision, delivered by a three-judge panel on Monday, allows the deployment of some 200 troops to proceed while legal challenges continue.
The ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals puts a stay on a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Court Judge Karen Immergut, who had previously halted the president's plan. The Justice Department argued that the troops are necessary to protect federal buildings, specifically an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility that has been the site of ongoing protests and occasional violent clashes.
The appeals court described the planned 60-day deployment as a measured response.The decision has been met with strong reactions. The White House praised the ruling, stating that President Trump is exercising his lawful authority to protect federal assets.
In contrast, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield warned that the decision gives the president unilateral power to put Oregon soldiers on our streets and sets a dangerous path.
Portland is one of several predominantly Democratic-led cities where President Trump has ordered National Guard deployments as part of a stated crackdown on crime, a move that has faced significant opposition from local and state officials.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar