"Secretary of War" Pete Hegseth Issues Order to Activate Oregon National Guard in Portland

President Trump ordered 200 members of the Oregon National Guard to be deployed to Portland to protect an ICE facility from alleged threats by “Antifa and other domestic terrorists. ” Oregon's Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced his intention to file an emergency restraining order to block the deployment, asserting that the federal action infringes on state sovereignty. Governor Tina Kotek stated during a virtual press conference that she no longer has authority over the National Guard troops. The urgency of the federal mobilization contrasts with reports of only around 30 peaceful demonstrators at the facility, raising questions about the necessity of such a response. Legal challenges are also being pursued in California regarding similar federal troop orders, indicating a broader pattern of conflict.

The acting vice chief of the National Guard Bureau emphasized the need for rapid mobilization to protect lives and property. However, previous troop deployments in other cities have faced criticism for being ineffective. This developing story reflects ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on federal and state law enforcement roles.