Shortly after a federal court ruling halted the mobilization of 200 Oregon National Guard troops in Portland, the federal government commenced the deployment of California National Guard troops to Oregon.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek confirmed on Sunday that 101 California troops had arrived in Oregon via plane overnight and additional units were on their way, with plans for up to 300 soldiers to be deployed under orders from President Donald Trump.
Kotek expressed her concern, stating she had not received any official notification from the federal government regarding the deployment. She emphasized that there is no justification for military intervention in Oregon, asserting that the situation in Portland does not constitute an insurrection or pose any threat to national security.
“This action appears to be intentional to circumvent yesterday’s ruling by a federal judge,” Kotek stated. “Oregon is our home, not a military target.”
On Saturday, Judge Karin Immergut, appointed by President Trump, approved a temporary restraining order preventing the mobilization of Oregon troops. This order is in effect until a check-in is scheduled for October 17, with a hearing on the situation set for October 18. Following the ruling, attorneys for the federal government indicated plans to appeal the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
In her ruling, Immergut underscored the importance of maintaining constitutional law over military intervention, warning that accepting the administration’s arguments could blur the lines between civil and military authority in the U.S.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield made it clear that the state was prepared to take further legal action to prevent the deployment of troops from California or any other state. He criticized President Trump for seemingly attempting to impose military presence in American cities without legitimate grounds.
“This president is obviously hellbent on deploying the military in American cities, absent facts or authority to do so,” Rayfield asserted. “It is up to us and the courts to hold him accountable. That’s what we intend to do.”
In response to the federal actions, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared that the state would also seek legal recourse against what he termed Trump’s “breathtaking abuse of the law and power.”
“The commander-in-chief is using the U.S. military as a political weapon against American citizens,” Newsom stated. “We will take this fight to court, but the public cannot stay silent in the face of such reckless and authoritarian conduct by the president of the United States.”
The situation in Portland has remained tense, with protests continuing outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility and approximately 100 demonstrators present on Saturday night. Federal agents reportedly used chemical irritants to disperse protesters beyond previous boundaries.
Local law enforcement stated they were not involved or aware of the federal agents’ actions.
This escalation of federal presence in Portland coincides with similar actions in Chicago, where President Trump has recently indicated a desire to use Democratic-run cities as “training grounds” for military operations.
The ongoing developments raise significant questions about the intersection of federal authority and state governance, particularly as tensions rise regarding the use of military force in domestic matters.
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