A temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge on Sunday has prevented the Trump administration from deploying any National Guard units to Oregon, including the California National Guard. This action came after California and Oregon sought the order in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to send guard members from California to Oregon earlier on the same day. The judge had previously blocked the administration from deploying Oregon National Guard troops to Portland.
A Pentagon spokesperson disclosed that approximately 200 federalized members of the California National Guard, who were previously on duty around Los Angeles, were reassigned to Portland. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek mentioned that about 100 of these members arrived on Saturday, with another 100 en route on Sunday. Kotek noted that there had been no formal communication with the federal government regarding this deployment.
Initially, the two states requested a limited order to block only California National Guard troops from being sent to Oregon. However, after a memo from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth indicated the activation of up to 400 Texas National Guard personnel for deployment to Oregon, Illinois, and potentially other locations, the states expanded their request to include all National Guard troops.
Following a similar move by Illinois’ governor to activate troops in his state, Texas Governor Greg Abbott authorized the call-up, emphasizing the need to ensure protection for federal employees. This development was criticized by Kotek, who described it as an intentional circumvention of the federal judge’s previous ruling.
Oregon and California governors, Tina Kotek and Gavin Newsom, respectively, expressed strong objections to the deployment, labeling it as an abuse of power. Newsom highlighted that the troops had been federalized months ago against his objections, characterizing the president’s decision as a political maneuver against American citizens.
In a separate development, a Trump-appointed federal judge in Oregon had temporarily blocked the administration’s plan to deploy the Oregon National Guard in Portland. The judge’s order was issued due to concerns raised by Oregon officials and Portland residents about the justification for federalized forces in the city.
President Trump’s portrayal of Portland and Chicago as crime-ridden and chaotic cities calling for military intervention has sparked controversy. He has authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to several cities, including Chicago, prompting criticism from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who opposed the deployment citing the lack of necessity and federal consultation.
The ongoing deployment of National Guard troops in various states has raised concerns about potential federal intervention and its impact on local communities. Oregon officials and residents have criticized the administration’s actions, emphasizing the need to respect state sovereignty and avoid unnecessary militarization.
