🔗 Share this article Court to Reconsider Ruling That Allowed Former President to Deploy Military Forces to Portland The federal appeals court has maintained a ban on sending state troops in Portland, Oregon, following a recent court ruling. Judicial Panel Concurs to Rehear Case The federal appeals court decided on this week that it would reexamine the legal dispute concerning the executive power with an larger group of 11 judges. The judicial body also vacated a previous decision from a three-judge panel that had supported the federal government. Ongoing Dispute Over Troop Deployment This order represents the most recent development in a protracted legal battle over whether the administration has the legal right and valid reason to send state military units in the city. Approximately two hundred troops have been in limbo since late September when the deployment effort was started in response to ongoing demonstrations. Differing Viewpoints The administration has argued that government employees at the ICE facility in south Portland were facing threats, while city and state officials maintain that local officers have control of the circumstances. Contrary to descriptions of Portland as a conflict zone, residents have been posting videos of scenic paths and a thriving food scene, and planning events such as an protest bicycle event against the increased military presence. Recent Legal Actions The appeals court decision came after a federal judge in Portland issued two temporary restraining orders this month – one blocking the federalization of the state troops, and another stopping the use of any military personnel in the state, after efforts to evade the first order by calling up troops from California. On the previous day, the ninth circuit panel had put the first ruling on hold – allowing control of 200 Oregon national guard – but the second ruling remained in place, blocking the actual deployment of the forces. Full Panel Consideration The Tuesday decision means the issue will be heard “en banc” – with all decisions under consideration together – by a panel of 11 judges. “This ruling shows that the truth matters and that the judicial system are striving to ensure government responsibility. The founding document limits the president’s power, and local populations cannot be treated as a training ground for expansive government power,” said the state attorney general in a statement. “The judicial body is sending a definite signal: the executive leader cannot dispatch the armed forces into US cities unnecessarily. We will continue protecting Oregon’s laws, values, and autonomy as this case moves forward and our legal battle continues in the courts.”