Deployment of Oregon National Guard Troops Confirmed
According to the state attorney general, hundreds of troops from the Oregon National Guard have been called up following a statement from Trump over the weekend.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield shared on Social Platform X that the Secretary of Defense has issued a memo to Governor Tina Kotek, allowing 200 National Guard members to carry out federal duties for a duration of 60 days.
Rayfield emphasized that Oregon’s community remains stable and local officials are fully capable of managing public safety without federal involvement. He remarked, “It’s unusual to deploy 200 National Guards to safeguard a single building. If there are safety concerns at home, it might be more effective to handle those with local resources rather than calling in the troops.”
The Pentagon later confirmed the deployment in a statement to News Nation on Monday. They indicated that, at the direction of the president, Secretary Hegses informed the Oregon National Guard that the 200 members would be called up to assist the federal government for 60 days. Their primary role will be to protect other officials and properties belonging to the U.S. government in light of ongoing safety concerns.
According to the statement, the purpose of deploying these security guards is “to address prolonged lawlessness in Portland and to ensure that federal law enforcement can perform their responsibilities safely.” These guards will operate under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Northern Commander.
Trump had previously announced the troop deployment in Portland, citing the need to protect the city and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities from groups he referred to as ANTIFA and other “domestic terrorists.”
He stated, “At the request of Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem, I’m directing Secretary Hegses to mobilize all necessary troops to secure Portland, which has faced significant unrest.” Trump further declared, “I grant full authority if it becomes necessary. Thank you for addressing this issue carefully.”
In recent months, other major U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., have also seen National Guard troops deployed.
The White House has been contacted for additional comments.
