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The federal appeals court has upheld a ban on sending state troops in Portland, Oregon, following a latest court ruling.

Appeals Court Concurs to Reconsider Case

The ninth circuit court of appeals ruled on Tuesday that it would reexamine the legal dispute concerning the executive power with an expanded panel of 11 judges. The judicial body also vacated a earlier decision from a smaller judicial group that had sided with the federal government.

Ongoing Dispute Over Troop Deployment

This order represents the latest turn in a long-running court case over whether the administration has the legal right and valid reason to send national guard forces in the city. Approximately two hundred troops have been in limbo since the end of September when the deployment effort was started in response to ongoing demonstrations.

Conflicting Arguments

The administration has argued that federal officials at the ICE facility in south Portland were facing threats, while city and state officials maintain that municipal police have command of the circumstances.

Contrary to characterizations of the city as “war ravaged”, locals have been posting videos of scenic paths and a thriving food scene, and organizing activities such as an Emergency Naked Bike Ride against the “militarization of our city”.

Recent Legal Actions

The Tuesday ruling came after a US district judge in the city issued two temporary restraining orders this month – one preventing the federal control of the Oregon national guard, and another prohibiting the use of any national guard troops in Oregon, after efforts to circumvent the initial injunction by mobilizing troops from California.

On Monday, the appeals court had temporarily suspended the initial decision – permitting control of 200 Oregon national guard – but the second ruling stayed effective, blocking the physical sending of the troops.

Full Panel Consideration

The Tuesday decision means the issue will be heard by the full court – with all decisions under consideration together – by a group of eleven justices.

“This ruling demonstrates that the truth matters and that the judicial system are striving to ensure government responsibility. The constitution limits the executive authority, and Oregon’s communities cannot be treated as a training ground for expansive government power,” stated the legal representative in a official comment.

“The court is sending a clear message: the executive leader cannot send the military into US cities without cause. We will continue defending state legislation, principles, and sovereignty as this case progresses and our legal battle continues in the courts.”