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New York City has joined a coalition of over 70 cities nationwide in supporting Oregon's legal challenge against the federal government's deployment of National Guard troops in Portland. The challenge arose from the Trump administration's decision to deploy 200 National Guard members to Portland, citing protests related to immigration enforcement operations.
On Sunday, the U.S. District Court of Oregon ruled that the deployment likely violated federal law, as the protests were not significantly violent or disruptive. The coalition, which includes major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Baltimore, argues that the federal government overstepped its authority. They contend there was no legal justification for the deployment, which occurred despite local officials' objections.
In an amicus brief, the coalition urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to uphold the district court's ruling. The brief highlights the economic consequences of such deployments, noting they deter customers from affected areas, causing local businesses to lose revenue. It also mentions the financial burden on local taxpayers, with Los Angeles having to pay $134 million.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that the city prefers collaboration with federal authorities on specific issues, like stopping illegal gun trafficking, rather than National Guard deployment. "New York City is proud to partner with a multitude of localities to assert local control over our own domain: public safety," Adams said in a statement.
Muriel Goode-Trufant, New York City's Corporation Counsel, criticized the federal approach, stating that deploying the National Guard should be a last resort. "Federalizing and domestically deploying the National Guard can sow chaos in local communities," she said. The federal government has filed an application seeking an immediate stay of the district court's temporary restraining order.
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