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Dear Portlanders,
Yesterday the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling that could clear the way to allow the president to deploy National Guard troops in our city.
This ruling is deeply concerning, but this case is not yet over. Judge Graber in her dissent has urged the full Ninth Circuit to “act swiftly” to reconsider the decision as a full appellate court and “to vacate the majority’s order before the illegal deployment of troops under false pretenses can occur.” Not long after the ruling was released, Senior Ninth Circuit Judge Sidney Thomas requested a vote of the active circuit judges on whether the case should be reheard.
We don’t know what will happen with a possible National Guard deployment, as the situation is still developing. What I do know is that our city will continue to push back and fight in the courts against federal overreach, as well as pursue legislative solutions and explore every possible avenue to defend our community. A statement from the whole Portland City Council about the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal’s ruling is here.
*** ACLU of Oregon is holding a webinar TONIGHT, at 5:30 p.m., to discuss what this latest court decision means and what’s next. The more we are informed and prepared to stand up for our community, the stronger Portland becomes. If you’d like to hear more about the ruling, click here to register. ***
As Judge Graber wrote in her dissent, yesterday’s ruling "erodes core constitutional principles, including sovereign States' control over their States' militias and the people's First Amendment rights to assemble and to object to the government's policies and actions." The ruling sets a dangerous precedent that threatens every community in our country.
I am heartened by the tens of thousands of people who marched Saturday and said clearly that military intervention is not needed or wanted here. Portland's strength is our people. We will continue to stand up and speak out for democracy – together.
With love and resolve,
Teacher Tiffany
she/her
councilor.koyamalane@portlandoregon.gov
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