Recently, citizens within Portland, Oregon have been actively protesting ICE raids throughout their communities and the United States. As a response, President Trump explained that he planned on a strong response to the situation, mobilizing around 200 of Oregon’s National Guard to handle the “riots,” as Abigail Jackson, Whitehouse Spokesperson, stated. This action, however, has caused the state of Oregon and city of Portland to sue the Trump administration.
The Trump Administration has defended Trump’s actions, Jackson specifically stating that, “President Trump is using his lawful authority to direct the National Guard to protect federal assets and personnel in Portland following months of violent riots where officers have been assaulted and doxxed by left-wing rioters.” Many of Trump’s administration maintain that this defense is for the sake and safety of law enforcement, and to prevent a possible insurrection that could stem from the city.
The guards themselves claim that they’re following orders, and such orders are “considered lawful until deemed otherwise,” says Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Bomar, director of public affairs for the Oregon Military department. However, Captain Dylan Blaha, a U.S. veteran who is currently running for congress, is currently citing the Posse Comitatus Act. The Posse Comitatus Act states that the military is barred from engaging in civilian law enforcement, which is what some see the Trump Administration’s current actions to be.
As the lawsuit stands, Oregon and Portland’s governments are claiming that there was no riot that occurred in the city to warrant the National Guard’s intervention. As they say, they’ve only witnessed small protests within the city.
This incident, and others, have been raising concerns with Trump overstepping his authority as president. This concern largely lies among the left, liberals, democrats, or minorities who have been negatively targeted by the Trump administration’s policies. On the other hand, those in support of the Trump administration deem these actions necessary for the safety of America, and for the protection of ideals often held by Republicans.
