US President Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Democratic-led cities, against the will of local officials, faced two key legal tests on Thursday.
Judges heard arguments in Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois, where local leaders have sued the government, arguing the use of military on civilian streets is unconstitutional.
A federal judge in Illinois went on to partially block the deployment, saying the administration's assessment of events in the city were "unreliable," though the ruling is likely to be appealed.
The White House has defended the deployments, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying, "we're very confident in the president's legal authority to do this".
Portland is still awaiting a ruling.
