City attorneys across the United States are rallying in support of Oregon amid a dispute regarding the deployment of National Guard troops by the Trump administration. A collective of 42 cities and counties, including major urban centers like Los Angeles and Chicago, have joined Oregon’s appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. They seek to uphold a judge’s order that prevents the federal government from mobilizing National Guard forces to Portland.
Cities Uniting for Oregon’s Cause
The legal initiative was led by the Public Rights Project, which provides litigation support to local governments. Their friend-of-the-court brief, submitted late Monday, emphasizes the potential dangers of deploying military forces without proper justification. Among the local attorneys, Multnomah County’s lawyer was the only representative from Oregon who signed the brief.
Concerns Over Military Deployment
- Cities and counties argue that the federal government’s actions may harm communities nationwide.
- They claim the Trump administration is planning to deploy National Guard troops to an additional 19 states.
- The brief stresses the need for the appellate court to consider the broader public interest before making a decision.
One statement highlighted a concerning development. The brief pointed out that only a day prior, President Trump proposed deploying 400 members of the Texas National Guard “where needed, including in the cities of Portland and Chicago.” These cities express a vested interest in halting what they describe as unnecessary military interventions.
Arguments Presented
Attorneys representing the Trump administration have requested that the 9th Circuit review and overturn U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut’s initial restraining order. They argue that Immergut improperly challenged the President’s military decision-making capabilities. Conversely, the collective of cities insists that law enforcement, in conjunction with local and state police, can adequately address any unrest surrounding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Portland.
- They argue that local law enforcement is better equipped to handle protests than military forces.
- They also stress the financial burden of these deployments on taxpayers: an estimated $10 million for 200 Oregon National Guard members mobilized over a span of 60 days.
- California mobilizations since June have cost around $134 million.
Cities representing millions of Americans are concerned about the escalating costs and the perceived necessity of these military deployments. They call for an end to what they deem unnecessary intervention and advocate for a return to the rule of law.
The timeline for the 9th Circuit’s ruling remains uncertain. This situation highlights a significant intersection of law, local governance, and federal oversight regarding National Guard deployments across the United States.
