US Appeals Court Clears Path for Trump to Deploy National Guard to Portland

US Appeals Court Greenlights Trump's Deployment of Soldiers to Portland In a ruling that has sparked widespread controversy, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Monday cleared the way for President Donald Trump to deploy 200 National Guard members to Portland, Oregon. The decision, which was made despite the objections of state and local officials, marks a significant escalation in the federal government's response to protests in the city. According to court documents, the appeals court ruled that the administration had demonstrated a "likelihood" that the deployment was necessary to protect federal property and personnel. The ruling comes after weeks of tense standoffs between protesters and federal agents at the city's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. "We conclude that it is likely that the President has lawfully exercised his authority under the Insurrection Act," wrote Judge Consuelo Callahan in the court's opinion. "The record supports a finding that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an insurrection or domestic violence exists within the state." The deployment of National Guard members was first announced by Trump earlier this month, sparking widespread criticism from local officials and civil rights groups. Oregon Governor Kate Brown had previously stated that she would not request federal assistance in maintaining order in the city. "This decision is a clear overreach of executive authority," said Brown in a statement. "We will continue to work with our partners at the local level to address the needs of our community, without resorting to militarized solutions." The deployment of National Guard members is expected to begin soon, with troops arriving in Portland as early as this week. The move has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and conflict between protesters and federal agents. "This decision sets a dangerous precedent for the use of military force against American citizens," said ACLU Oregon Executive Director David Rogers. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and explore all available options to protect the rights of Portlanders." The ruling has also sparked debate about the role of the Insurrection Act, which allows the President to deploy troops in response to domestic emergencies. Critics argue that the law is being misused by Trump's administration to suppress dissent and silence protesters. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the deployment of National Guard members to Portland marks a significant turning point in the city's ongoing struggle for social justice. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*