We strongly disagree with today's ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which overturns a previous court decision and fails to hold this administration accountable. Authorizing the deployment of the Oregon National Guard to Portland is an unnecessary and unwanted federal overreach. The court's 11-day deliberation is proof alone there is no genuine emergency that would require military intervention.
This past Saturday, tens of thousands of Portlanders marched peacefully to oppose this administration's authoritarian actions - from the unconstitutional deployment of the military against our own people to an increase in cruel ICE raids that are terrorizing immigrant communities. The federal government is openly subverting the authority of local leaders, defying states' rights and creating a constitutional crisis.
The State of Oregon and City of Portland have already filed a motion for the court to reconsider this ruling. Multnomah County stands with them and will offer our continued legal support in pushing back against this federal overreach. We remain united in our commitment to protecting all Multnomah County residents, including our immigrant and refugee neighbors and all who are peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights.
Chair Jessica Vega Pederson
Commissioner Meghan Moyer
Commissioner Shannon Singleton
Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards
Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon
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