Federal Order Partially Sends Oregon Guard Home Amid Appeal

Governor Tina Kotek announced on Wednesday that all 200 Oregon National Guard members mobilized under federal duty would return home. The order was based on a verbal directive from U.S. Northern Command. However, less than an hour later, U.S. Northern Command issued a clarification stating that only 100 of the 200 troops would be demobilized.

The remaining 100 Oregon National Guard members will stay at Portland-area facilities for planning and training. U.S. Northern Command stated they will not participate in operational activities related to the Federal Protection Mission.

Ongoing Legal Dispute Influences Guard Deployment in Oregon

Adjutant General Alan R. Gronewold said the Oregon Military Department had been instructed to prepare for two potential outcomes depending on a circuit court ruling. He confirmed that the first 100 troops are currently demobilizing. The troops have been mobilized since September 28 and have spent nearly 50 days at training sites near Portland.

The Trump administration has said the Guard members are needed to protect the ICE building in Portland’s South Waterfront neighborhood. In response to increased ICE activity, the Hillsboro City Council declared a state of emergency on Tuesday. State officials estimated that the deployment has cost taxpayers $16 million.

Court Rulings Allow Federalization to Continue

A ruling on October 4 by U.S. District Court Judge Karen Immergut determined that the president did not have the authority to federalize the Oregon National Guard. The Trump administration appealed that ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court on November 16.

On Wednesday, the Ninth Circuit paused Judge Immergut’s ruling while the Supreme Court reviews a related case from Illinois. The pause allows the Trump administration to continue federalizing the remaining Oregon National Guard personnel.

State Officials Respond to Partial Demobilization

Governor Kotek said that the 100 remaining troops who had been preparing to return home must remain on federal status during the appeal. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield acknowledged the partial demobilization and noted that federal authorities had begun sending some Guard members home.

The legal dispute over federal authority and state control continues as the Ninth Circuit deliberates the appeal.