On Sunday (October 5), a judge in the United States issued an emergency order temporarily banning the Trump administration from deploying any state National Guard to assist law enforcement in Portland, Oregon. On Monday, White House spokesperson Levitt stated that the judge’s opinion is not based on reality or the law, and the government is appealing the ruling.
On Sunday, Federal Judge Karin Immergut rejected the government’s request to deploy the National Guard from California and Texas to Portland. Immergut had previously halted the deployment of the Oregon National Guard to Portland, stating that sending troops from other states was merely an attempt to circumvent the judge’s order.
On Monday (October 6), White House spokesperson Levitt held a press conference, focusing mainly on the government shutdown and progress in the Gaza peace agreement. Levitt did not directly mention Portland in her prepared remarks, but later responded to some questions from reporters.
When asked about where officials in Portland wanted the National Guard to be deployed, Levitt replied that for over “100 nights… ICE facilities have actually been under attack by these anarchists.” She suggested, “As a reporter, I encourage you to go and see for yourself…” She also mentioned that Collins might be speaking with partisan officials who oppose the President’s actions.
Regarding Judge Immergut’s ruling, she said, “Forgive me, but I think her opinion is not based on reality or the law… We are appealing that judgment… We strongly believe the President has the legal authority to do so, and we are very confident that we will prevail based on the law.”
“Why should they… be concerned about the federal government providing assistance to make their cities safer?… What they should be worried about is that people in their cities are being shot every night.” Levitt continued.
She also mentioned that behind the unrest in Portland is funding from Antifa. “These groups, particularly the ‘Antifa’ movement’s financial support, are undoubtedly issues actively being investigated by the government… For years, the American people have been asking questions about this issue – we are committed to uncovering its veil.” Levitt stated.
On September 22, President Trump signed an executive order officially designating the far-left organization Antifa as a “domestic terrorist group,” describing it as a “militarized anarchist group” that has long attempted to overthrow the U.S. government and its legal system through violence and intimidation.
The executive order states that Antifa not only advocates for government overthrow but also plans violence and disturbances nationwide through illegal means, including obstructing federal law enforcement, organizing riots, attacking immigration and customs enforcement officers (ICE), and launching internet harassment and threats against politicians and activists. Additionally, Antifa recruits and instills radical ideologies in young groups, expands its influence, and evades law enforcement tracking through hidden member identities and funding sources.
The executive order demands that relevant departments comprehensively investigate and dismantle Antifa’s illegal operations, especially organizations and individuals involved in terror activities, while also tracing funding sources and prosecuting sponsors in accordance with the law.
The Pentagon stated earlier on Sunday that 200 California National Guard members would be deployed to Oregon to “support the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal personnel in carrying out their duties (including enforcing federal laws) and protecting federal property.”
The National Guard is a state militia force usually commanded by state governors unless called upon by the federal government. Trump has stated that deploying the National Guard to Portland is necessary to address the protests occurring at an immigration facility in the city.
On Sunday night, Judge Immergut stated that there is no evidence showing the need for the National Guard to intervene in recent protest activities, regardless of which state the troops come from.
Immergut’s ruling on Sunday will remain in effect at least until October 19, meaning that during this period, the Trump administration is prohibited from deploying any state National Guard to Portland.