Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has ordered 200 Oregon National Guard troops to be placed under federal command for 60 days to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and facilities in Portland. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s recent announcement authorizing the deployment of troops to safeguard the ICE facility, which has faced ongoing protests throughout the summer.
A memo from Secretary Hegseth stated that the troops would be “called into Federal service effective immediately for a period of 60 days.” This move comes after Trump’s call for a military response in Portland and is similar to previous deployments in other cities.
In response, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced legal action against the federalization order. “The facts cannot justify this overreach,” states the lawsuit filed by the State of Oregon and City of Portland against President Trump. The suit notes that recent protests outside the ICE facility have been small, typically drawing fewer than 30 people. It also claims, “Defendants’ heavy-handed deployment of troops threatens to escalate tensions and stokes new unrest.” The legal filing seeks an injunction to prevent further troop deployments to Oregon.
Governor Tina Kotek expressed opposition to federalizing Guard troops, stating, “there is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security and there is no need for military troops in our major city.”
Senator Ron Wyden criticized President Trump’s actions: “Donald Trump is illegally taking charge of Oregon’s National Guard for a federal occupation Oregonians don’t want and don’t need. Oregon’s elected officials are fighting this every step of the way to protect the people in our state.”
Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, appeared alongside Governor Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson at a press conference addressing these developments.
There have been reports on social media about increased aerial activity near Portland’s ICE facility as preparations continue for troop deployment. Meanwhile, activists have called for renewed demonstrations at the site following news of planned federal action.
