Dispute Erupts Over federal National Guard Deployment to Portland
A disagreement between Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and former President Donald Trump has surfaced following the Trump administration’s authorization of a deployment of approximately 200 National Guard members to Portland. The move stems from concerns regarding protests near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the city.
According to Governor Kotek,initial communication with Trump began with an understanding of continued dialog. However, this shifted when the administration announced its intention to invoke Title 10, federalizing oregon National Guard troops. Kotek stated she “expressed her disagreement and disgruntlement” with this decision, arguing there was no insurrection or public safety threat necessitating military intervention.She further warned Trump that federalizing the Guard was an unlawful overreach and would ultimately compromise the safety of Oregonians.
Trump, on social media, characterized Portland as “War ravaged” and “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists,” specifically citing concerns about the ICE building. Kotek confirmed that Trump communicated his worries about the facility during their text exchange.
The ICE processing facility, operational as 2011, has been the site of ongoing protests. In June, increased immigration enforcement operations led to confrontations between protesters and Department of Homeland Security officers, with projectiles thrown and tear gas deployed. The goverment afterward increased security measures at the building, including covering it with plywood.
Despite occasional escalations, demonstrations at the facility are typically small, involving only a few dozen protesters – a contrast to the larger-scale protests that occurred in 2020 near the federal courthouse in downtown Portland.
Portland Mayor Ted Wilson expressed disappointment with the federal government’s portrayal of the city, stating, “To bring this narrative to Portland, to say that we are anything but a city on the rise, is counter what truth is.” He affirmed the city’s commitment to addressing its challenges.
Both Kotek and Wilson urged residents to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully, cautioning against violence during any demonstrations. Kotek also emphasized that the Oregon National Guard is comprised of Oregon citizens and neighbors.
Legal challenges to halt the deployment are underway, but the outcome remains uncertain.
