Federal Judge Blocks Trump's National Guard Deployments
A federal judge appointed by President Trump has blocked his administration from deploying National Guard troops to multiple states including Oregon and Illinois. The rulings come as Trump attempts to send soldiers from Texas to quell demonstrations across the country.
A federal judge appointed by President Trump has blocked his administration from deploying National Guard troops to multiple states. Judge Karin Immergut ruled against sending Oregon National Guard into Portland this weekend. She then extended that block to prevent troops from other states being deployed.
Judge Immergut interrupted Justice Department attorney Eric Hamilton during a Sunday hearing. She asked how bringing in National Guard members from California did not directly conflict with her earlier decision.
The legal challenge came after Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced Trump planned to send 400 soldiers from Texas to Illinois, Oregon and other locations. Pritzker revealed this plan in a statement early Monday.
Immergut was appointed by Trump during his first term. She stated no evidence existed that recent demonstrations required National Guard presence. This applied regardless of where the troops originated.
The judge's back-to-back rulings represent a significant check on presidential power during domestic unrest. A Trump appointee blocking the president's emergency military deployments shows the judiciary's independence remains intact despite political pressures.
Federal courts continue to serve as a balance against executive authority even when judges were selected by the same administration they're ruling against.