On November 7, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut issued a ruling that prevents the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, in response to ongoing protests against immigration policies. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by the state of Oregon and the city of Portland, which argued that the deployment was unnecessary and violated legal statutes.

Judge Immergut, appointed by Trump, found that the administration failed to provide credible evidence that the protests near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility had escalated to a level warranting federal intervention. She characterized the protests as predominantly peaceful, noting that any violence was isolated and of relatively low intensity. Earlier in the week, she had issued a temporary restraining order against the deployment, stating that the situation in Portland had not deteriorated as claimed by the Trump administration.

The ruling allows the National Guard to remain federalized but prohibits their deployment in Portland. Judge Immergut emphasized that most confrontations involved protesters and counter-protesters rather than direct clashes with federal agents. She acknowledged potential limitations in her jurisdiction over the President's official duties but specifically restricted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from sending National Guard members to Oregon.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield described the ruling as a significant victory for the state, underscoring the importance of adhering to factual evidence and the rule of law. He stated that the case centered on ensuring that legal applications are guided by facts rather than political motivations. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson echoed this sentiment, asserting that the presence of federal troops was unwarranted and reaffirming the city's commitment to protecting civil rights and public safety.

In contrast, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson indicated that the administration plans to appeal the ruling, maintaining that the deployment was necessary to address what she described as violent riots and lawlessness in the city. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin supported this view, asserting that the actions taken were lawful and aimed at safeguarding federal personnel and assets.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek criticized the federal intervention as an abuse of power, reiterating that the state does not require military presence to maintain order. During the trial, evidence was presented showing that federal agents had exacerbated tensions at the ICE facility, undermining the justification for military involvement. Judge Immergut's ruling highlighted that the protests, which peaked in June 2025, did not constitute a rebellion and did not impede federal law enforcement activities. Legal experts suggest that the administration's chances of success in an appeal may be diminished due to the findings presented in this ruling.