(MENAFN) The states of California and Oregon filed a joint lawsuit on Sunday seeking to block US President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy 200 California National Guard troops to Portland.

The legal action comes amid growing tensions over Trump’s use of military forces in domestic operations and nationwide protests against his immigration policies.

According to the Pentagon, the troops were being sent to “support US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal personnel carrying out official duties, including enforcing federal law and protecting federal property.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move, calling it “a breathtaking abuse of the law and power.” He argued that sending out-of-state National Guard units requires court authorization and violates state sovereignty.

Oregon and California jointly petitioned US District Judge Karin Immergut to extend a temporary restraining order that bars the transfer of California Guard troops to Portland. The order will remain in effect until at least October 19 as the legal challenge proceeds.

The lawsuit follows a previous ruling by the same judge that blocked the Trump administration from deploying Oregon’s own National Guard amid protests.

Trump defended his decision, telling reporters on Sunday that troop deployment was necessary because “Portland is burning to the ground,” a claim that local officials strongly denied.

The dispute marks the latest flashpoint in an ongoing clash between state governments and Washington over the use of military force within US borders.

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