WASHINGTON (AP) — The deployment of 200 members of the Oregon National Guard under federal control has ignited controversy as state leaders express strong disapproval. This action follows a memo from the Defense Department indicating that their role will be to protect immigration enforcement officers and government facilities in the state.
The federal deployment, which mirrors an approach taken in Los Angeles last summer, has drawn immediate backlash from state leaders, including Governor Tina Kotek. She voiced her objections directly to President Donald Trump, stating, “Oregon is our home — not a military target.”
In a tactical response, Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced plans to file a federal lawsuit, asserting that the deployment constitutes an overreach of presidential authority. Rayfield criticized the action as being politically motivated and not aimed at ensuring public safety. “What we’re seeing is not about public safety,” he stated. “It’s about the President flexing political muscle under the guise of law and order, chasing a media hit at the expense of our community.”
The Pentagon memo specifically cited the National Guard deployment as following the President’s direction, but did not explicitly mention Portland as the targeted area. However, President Trump indicated in a social media post his directive to send troops to 'protect War ravaged Portland' against perceived threats from groups like Antifa.
While this deployment is significantly smaller than the one dispatched to Los Angeles, it raises broader concerns about federal authority and the implications for state governance. As legal challenges loom, state leaders and citizens alike are closely monitoring the developments surrounding this controversial military action.
