The state of Oregon has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent the deployment of 200 National Guard troops to Portland. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced the legal action shortly after Gov. Tina Kotek received a memo from Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth authorizing the troop deployment for 60 days.
“As of 2pm today – less than 6 hours after receiving formal notice that the President had federalized Oregon’s National Guard in Portland – we filed a lawsuit,” Rayfield said. “The president has overstepped his authority,” he added.
According to an order seen by Fox News Digital, the federally controlled Oregon National Guard would be stationed in Portland to protect federal property “where protests are occurring or likely to occur.” Kotek, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, and Rayfield, all Democrats, jointly filed the challenge in federal court, arguing the administration’s move is “unlawful” and unnecessary.
“Oregon communities are stable, and our local officials have been clear: we have the capacity to manage public safety without federal interference,” Rayfield said in a statement. Trump previously stated on Truth Social that he directed Hegseth to “provide all necessary troops” to Portland.
“At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists. I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said.
“We’re going to file a temporary restraining order. That is effectively to get in front of a judge and have them rule to pause the actions of the president,” Rayfield told NewsNation.
NewsNation correspondent Jorge Ventura, reporting from the ICE facility in Portland, noted protests have been relatively peaceful over the weekend. However, he witnessed a confrontation between crowds and agents from Border Patrol and Homeland Security who cleared the way for an official vehicle. During the tense moment, authorities fired pepper balls.
Rayfield stated demonstrators who do not protest peacefully will be held accountable by local authorities. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday ordered 200 Oregon National Guard troops to be deployed under federal authority. Rather than sending the military, Rayfield argued, the Trump administration should discuss the possibility of sending federal law-enforcement resources if the president believes crime is a problem in Portland.
