Oregon officials filed a lawsuit on Sunday to stop US President Donald Trump from sending troops to Portland. This move came just one day after Trump announced the deployment.

Previously, Trump had deployed troops to Los Angeles and Washington DC, despite strong objections from Democratic leaders. He argued that these deployments were necessary to control crime and protests tied to his mass deportation campaign.

However, Oregon’s lawsuit accused Trump of abusing his power. It stated that the move “was motivated by his desire to normalize the use of military troops for ordinary domestic law enforcement activity,” especially in cities governed by his political opponents.

Trump’s Crackdown Intensifies

Since returning to power in January, Trump has aggressively targeted undocumented migrants. Consequently, lawyers and human rights groups have accused his administration of violating civil rights.

Furthermore, Trump has promised to combat violence that he claims comes from a left-wing “domestic terrorist” network. Critics, however, argue that these claims are designed to silence dissent and intimidate his rivals.

Lawsuit Argues Deployment Is Unnecessary

In addition, the lawsuit insists that Portland does not need military troops. It points out that protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been small and peaceful.

According to the complaint, most demonstrations involve fewer than 30 people and there have been no arrests since mid-June. Moreover, the lawsuit warns, “Heavyhanded deployment of troops threatens to escalate tensions and stokes new unrest.”

Nevertheless, protesters have occasionally blocked entrances to ICE facilities, leading to minor clashes as federal agents attempted to clear the area.

Local Leaders Speak Out

Meanwhile, Governor Tina Kotek said she received no details or timeline about the planned deployment. She stated, “There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our own major city.”

Similarly, Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the move, calling it “unwanted, unneeded and un-American.”

Additionally, city officials expressed concern about a repeat of 2020, when federal troops sent by Trump clashed violently with protesters after the police killing of George Floyd.

Ongoing Pattern of Federal Action

Earlier in June, Trump deployed troops to Los Angeles, bypassing the state’s Democratic governor. As a result, that action sparked a legal battle over presidential powers.

Afterward, he sent federal forces to Washington DC and threatened similar actions in other major cities, including Chicago.

Now, Oregon’s lawsuit marks another escalation. It argues that local authorities can manage the situation and warns against Trump using the military for political purposes.