PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A federal court has scheduled a hearing to determine whether to extend the temporary restraining order currently blocking the deployment of federal troops to Portland.
According to a scheduling order issued by U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, the hearing will be held by telephonic conference at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The court directed both sides to be prepared to discuss whether the temporary restraining order, or TRO, should be extended for an additional 14 days.
Background on the Court Order
The case stems from the Oregon Attorney General’s legal challenge against the Trump administration’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to Portland under federal authority. Oregon officials argued that the move was unconstitutional, citing violations of the Tenth Amendment, which protects states from federal overreach in local affairs.
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The state’s motion for a temporary restraining order was filed on Sept. 29, after President Trump announced his intent to send troops into Oregon, calling Portland “war-ravaged.” Judge Immergut granted the TRO on Oct. 4, halting any troop movement into the city for 14 days. That order is currently set to expire Saturday, unless the court decides to extend it.
Upcoming Telephonic Hearing
Originally, both parties were tentatively scheduled to hold a hearing on Friday, but the session was moved to Wednesday due to scheduling conflicts. The proceeding will be conducted remotely, allowing attorneys for both the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Oregon to present arguments regarding the extension.
Legal analysts say the court’s decision could shape how long Portland remains shielded from potential federal intervention amid ongoing protests near the city’s ICE facility and other federal buildings.
Broader Context
The initial restraining order came amid public backlash and mass protests following the administration’s troop announcement. State and local officials, including Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield, have maintained that Oregon is capable of managing its own public safety without federal troops.
In the court filings, the state contended that the deployment would “irreparably harm” residents and disrupt local governance, while the federal government has argued it has a duty to protect federal property and personnel.
What Happens Next
If Judge Immergut decides to extend the restraining order, federal troops will remain barred from deployment in Oregon for another two weeks, buying the state additional time to prepare for further hearings or negotiations. If the order is not extended, the federal government could proceed with troop mobilization immediately.
The court’s ruling is expected to come shortly after Wednesday’s hearing, which will play a pivotal role in determining whether Portland’s pause on troop deployment continues or expires this weekend.