Trump Sends California and Texas Troops to Portland
President Trump is deploying National Guard troops from California and Texas to Portland after a federal judge blocked his attempt to use Oregon's forces. The move bypasses state authorities who opposed federal intervention in local law enforcement matters.
President Donald Trump cannot send Oregon's National Guard to Portland. A federal judge blocked that order on Sunday. Now Trump is sending soldiers from California and Texas instead.
A federal judge in Portland stopped the president's plan to deploy Oregon troops. The ruling came early Sunday morning.
Trump responded by ordering California National Guard members to Portland. CNN first reported this development. Then he added Texas troops to the mission, according to Reuters.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek confirmed 100 soldiers have already arrived. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said 200 California troops are being moved from Los Angeles assignments. They will assist immigration agents and police in Oregon.
Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth announced 400 Texas soldiers are being deployed. This creates a situation where out-of-state troops are policing Portland streets.
Why send soldiers from other states when local forces exist? The federal government appears to be working around state-level resistance to its security approach.
Portland has seen ongoing demonstrations in recent weeks. The city remains a flashpoint for political tensions between federal and local authorities.