In a significant move that has stirred controversy, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Sunday the deployment of 200 Oregon National Guard troops under federal authority to safeguard ICE agents and facilities. This particular ICE facility in Portland, historically under siege by violent protests attributed to militant Antifa groups throughout the summer, has prompted state and local officials to remain notably reticent regarding adequate protection for both the facility and the beleaguered citizens of the area.
In a rapid legal response, Oregon’s Attorney General has swiftly filed a lawsuit aimed at obstructing this federalization of the National Guard troops.
The dispatched Oregon National Guard members will fall under Northern Command’s oversight for an effective period of sixty days.
This directive from Hegseth comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s announcement the day prior, sanctioning the military presence to safeguard the ICE facility against ongoing unrest.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 27, 2025
Details of Hegsethās orders were disclosed by Washington Post reporter Dan Lamothe:
According to a recent memo, @PeteHegseth has stated that 200 members of the Oregon National Guard will be ācalled into federal service effective immediately for a period of 60 days.ā
This follows President Trumpās call for a military response in Portland, reminiscent of earlier troop deployments in Los Angeles that began in June. pic.twitter.com/l6ylISnowR
— Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) September 28, 2025
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield (D) has been quick to announce legal action to stop the federal control over the National Guard troops.
BREAKING NEWS: Oregon suing the Trump administration over the unlawful federalization of the National Guard. Details available. pic.twitter.com/Qamd4C5obX
— Attorney General Dan Rayfield (@AGDanRayfield) September 28, 2025
According to an excerpt from a report by The Oregonian regarding the lawsuit:
āThe facts cannot justify this overreach,ā asserts the 41-page lawsuit filed by the State of Oregon and the City of Portland against the Trump administration.
The suit highlights that protests outside the Portland ICE facility have been minimal in recent weeks, usually gathering fewer than 30 participants.
āThe heavy-handed deployment of troops by the defendants risks escalating tensions and generating further unrest,ā the suit maintains.
This lawsuit was filed in federal court in Portland, marking yet another legal challenge to Trumpās initiative to send troops to American cities and requesting a judicial order to prevent troop deployment to Oregon.
The Governor received notification via email at 9:32 a.m. on Sunday indicating that Trump invoked Title 10 for the National Guard’s deployment to Portland under the purview of the Department of War.
The Attorney General’s office acted promptly, intending to file a temporary restraining order to halt the troops’ impending arrival.
A copy of the lawsuit was shared by Politico reporter Kyle Cheney (accessible here)
JUST IN: Oregon seeking judicial intervention to prevent Trump’s military deployment, arguing it lacks justification as protests have been relatively small and contained since June. https://t.co/8F1clEcvoq pic.twitter.com/brYNE5UGnB
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) September 28, 2025
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) strongly criticized President Trumpās actions: āDonald Trump is unlawfully commandeering Oregon’s National Guard for a federal occupation that Oregonians neither want nor need. Elected officials in Oregon are actively opposing this to safeguard our communities.ā
Donald Trump is unlawfully commandeering Oregonās National Guard for a federal occupation that Oregonians donāt want and donāt need. Oregoniansā elected officials are fighting this every step of the way to protect our residents. https://t.co/RI8ENwFehU
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) September 28, 2025
On Saturday, Oregonās Governor Tina Kotek (D) expressed her stark opposition to Trumpās decision to federalize the Guard troops:
NOW ā Governor of Oregon: āThere is no insurrection; there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military forces in our major city.ā pic.twitter.com/wdGECw2kFS
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) September 27, 2025
This situation finds Oregon National Guard Adjutant General, Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold, in a precarious position, navigating the dividing lines between state mandates and federal directives. Gronewold has been present at the press conference alongside Kotek and other Democratic leaders, including Portlandās Mayor Keith Wilson.
Why are military personnel standing with the Mayor of Portland as he condemns President Trump? pic.twitter.com/QTc5shVKp1
— David Santa Carla (@TheOnlyDSC) September 27, 2025
Yet in Portland, the sentiment is not entirely favorable to federal interventions. An ICE supporter circulated a video showcase from the vicinity of the Portland ICE facility, highlighting military helicopters and drones overhead, commenting, āItās unfortunate it has come to this, but after months of nighttime riots by ANTIFA, it seems someone finally decided to address the issue!ā
Video taken 10 minutes ago from South waterfront Portland, Oregon, close to the Portland ICE facility. We have Blackhawk helicopters and drones flying over the neighborhood. Itās sad it came to this, but itās about time someone addressed the ongoing issue! pic.twitter.com/lIMXQOYaHe
— JoJo (@JojopdxOr) September 28, 2025
Moreover, Andy Ngo, a senior editor at Post Millennial, shared a graphic from Antifa calling for a demonstration at the Portland ICE facility on Sunday afternoon.
A direct action is scheduled for September 28 at the Portland ICE facility following Trumpās announcement of military support for the federal property. Antifa members and their allies have vowed not to retreat and intend to escalate their protests. They have issued calls… pic.twitter.com/bsh4CW4BCc
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 27, 2025
