PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) — A federal judge has extended a court order preventing the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops into Portland, prolonging the legal standoff between Oregon officials and federal authorities over how to handle ongoing protests in the city.
Judge Karin Immergut Extends Restraining Order
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, ruled to extend the temporary restraining order (TRO) that blocks the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland for another 14 days. The order was originally set to expire this weekend.
The extension means federal troops remain barred from entering Portland as legal arguments continue over whether the president has the constitutional authority to send military personnel into a U.S. city without the state’s consent.
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Ongoing Legal Battle
The case stems from President Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard forces to “restore order” amid months of demonstrations outside Portland’s ICE facility and federal buildings. Oregon’s governor and city leaders filed suit, arguing that such action would be unconstitutional and unnecessary.
The state contends that Oregon law enforcement agencies are fully capable of managing local protests without military intervention, while the Trump administration has maintained that the National Guard is needed to quell what it describes as “domestic unrest” and threats to federal property.
Judge Immergut’s ruling marks another legal setback for the White House, which has repeatedly sought to justify federal intervention under emergency powers. The judge has so far sided with Oregon officials, who argue the deployment would “escalate tensions” and infringe upon the state’s authority.
What Comes Next
While the restraining order remains in place, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is still weighing the administration’s appeal of Immergut’s earlier decision. Oral arguments were heard last week, but the appellate panel has not yet issued a ruling.
If the appeals court sides with the administration, the temporary ban could be lifted, potentially paving the way for the first large-scale National Guard deployment to Portland since the height of nationwide protests in 2020.
For now, Immergut’s extension preserves the legal status quo and prevents any troop movement into the city until at least the end of the month.
Local Response
Portland officials welcomed the decision, saying it gives the city more time to pursue de-escalation and maintain local control over policing efforts. “We appreciate the court’s continued recognition that Portlanders have the right to protest without federal militarization,” one city spokesperson said.
The Trump administration has not yet responded to the ruling.
As protests and federal court hearings continue, Wednesday’s decision underscores the deep divide between federal and local authorities — and leaves Portland in a tense holding pattern as the broader constitutional battle plays out.
