CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed Friday that some California National Guard troops are being sent to Portland, Oregon, under orders from President Donald Trump to assist federal operations at immigration facilities.
The deployment, announced amid escalating protests near federal buildings, marks the latest flashpoint between California and the Trump administration.
Newsom’s office emphasized that the move came “at the directive of the president,” not at the state’s request.
The deployment involves members of the California National Guard who were previously federalized, according to the governor’s office.
Newsom’s team said the troops are being reassigned from existing units based in Los Angeles, “to help with training exercises.” It remains unclear how many soldiers are being sent or how long they will remain in Oregon.
Judge to rule on whether order can proceed in Oregon
Trump said he was authorizing the use of “all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”
Portland officials have criticized the federal deployment order, warning it could inflame tensions as demonstrations continue outside the city’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
Local outlets report that masked agents have used force against protesters, while Oregon state leaders have filed legal challenges seeking to block the deployment.
A federal judge is expected to rule soon on whether the federal order can proceed. The lawsuit argues the move violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
‘Deeply alarming’
Newsom called the deployment “deeply alarming.” He said his administration is reviewing legal options and prepared to litigate if necessary.
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