WASHINGTON (AP) — The deployment of 200 members of the Oregon National Guard under federal control has elicited fierce criticism from state officials as it is intended to protect immigration enforcement officers and facilities. This order, disclosed in a Defense Department memo, has drawn parallels to a summer 2020 deployment in Los Angeles that faced significant public backlash.
State leaders, including Democratic Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield, have raised their voices against the deployment, which they argue undermines local governance and puts the community at risk. Governor Kotek firmly stated, “Oregon is our home — not a military target.”
In response to federal actions, Attorney General Rayfield announced plans to file a lawsuit against the federal government, asserting that Trump's administration is overstepping its authority with this move intended more for political posturing than public safety. Rayfield's comments encapsulated a growing concern among state leaders that the deployment would exacerbate tensions between federal immigration actions and local community interests.
While the federal memorandum referenced Oregon, it notably does not explicitly mention Portland, where protests against federal immigration policies have been particularly fervent. Recent statements from President Trump indicated a broader strategy to employ federal resources to curb what he characterizes as attacks from groups like Antifa, whom he labels as domestic terrorists.
The situation in Oregon reflects ongoing disputes over the role of federal versus state powers in immigration enforcement and the use of military resources in domestic matters. As the deployment unfolds, state officials continue to emphasize the importance of dialogue and community safety, distancing themselves from federal military influence in local governance.
