Trump orders federal troops to Portland and federalizes Oregon Guard

President Donald Trump on Saturday ordered federal troops to Portland, Oregon, saying they were needed to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities and authorizing "full force, if necessary." The announcement was posted on the president's social media account. On Sunday Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum federalizing 200 members of the Oregon National Guard for up to 60 days, a move the state immediately challenged in federal court.

The administration has described the deployment as a response to attacks on federal immigration facilities and to threats from groups the president identified as domestic terrorists. Officials have not provided further detail on which units will be mobilized, whether active-duty forces will be used, or a timetable for arrivals. Defense Department spokespeople said the department stands ready to support Department of Homeland Security operations at the president's direction. Several defense officials said the announcement took some at the Pentagon by surprise.

Oregon leaders have rejected the federal action as unnecessary and unlawful. Governor Tina Kotek said local and state authorities can manage public safety and...