URGENT UPDATE: More than 100 California National Guard troops were deployed to Oregon late Saturday night, escalating tensions amid a contentious federal response to local protests. This move follows a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, who blocked the deployment of Oregon’s own National Guard to Portland.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek confirmed the arrival of the 101 federalized troops, stating, “We have received no official notification or correspondence from the federal government regarding this action by the President.” She emphasized that the deployment seems designed to bypass the federal judge’s ruling, asserting, “There is no insurrection in Portland. No threat to national security.”
The deployment, confirmed by White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson, is part of President Donald Trump‘s strategy to protect federal assets amid ongoing unrest. Jackson stated, “President Trump exercised his lawful authority to protect federal assets and personnel in Portland following violent riots and attacks on law enforcement.”
This action comes as tensions have surged in Portland, which has seen nightly protests, particularly at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building. Judge Immergut ruled that such protests do not warrant federal military intervention, highlighting that “the relatively small protests did not justify the use of federalized forces.”
As the restraining order is set to expire on October 18, it remains unclear what further actions will be taken. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom of California expressed outrage, labeling the deployment a “breathtaking abuse of the law and power.” He plans to challenge the federal government’s decision in court, asserting, “The commander-in-chief is using the U.S. military as a political weapon against American citizens.”
In response to escalating violence in cities like Portland and Chicago, President Trump has previously deployed troops to numerous locations, including Los Angeles and Memphis, further intensifying the debate over federal military presence in urban areas.
As this situation continues to unfold, both national and local leaders are urging citizens to remain engaged and vocal. The coming days will be crucial as legal battles progress and further deployments may occur. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
