Hundreds of National Guard Troops Withdrawn from Portland and Chicago Amid Legal Disputes

Hundreds of National Guard troops are heading home. The soldiers were deployed to Chicago and Portland, Oregon. This move follows ongoing court battles over their initial deployment.

A defense official confirmed the withdrawal on Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity. This action represents a significant shift in domestic troop deployments.

Scale and Details of the Troop Reduction

Approximately 200 California National Guard troops in Oregon will be sent home. About 100 will remain in the Portland area for training purposes. The Oregon National Guard’s presence will also be cut in half.

In Chicago, about 200 Texas National Guard soldiers are being withdrawn. Another 200 will be on standby at Fort Bliss. About 300 Illinois National Guard troops will stay in the Chicago area, but their operations are legally restricted.

Broader Context and Political Reactions

This withdrawal is part of a larger recalibration of forces. U.S. Northern Command described it as “shifting and/or rightsizing” units. The official cited the upcoming holiday season as a potential factor.

California Governor Gavin Newsom‘s spokesperson strongly criticized the original deployment. She stated the troops never should have been sent illegally. She called their return long overdue, according to reports from the Associated Press.

The ongoing National Guard withdrawal highlights a major policy shift. It ends a controversial chapter of domestic military deployment. The situation remains fluid as legal and political challenges continue.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Why were National Guard troops sent to these cities?

They were deployed by the Trump administration. The stated goal was to support immigration enforcement and protect federal facilities. This was part of a broader immigration crackdown.

Q2: How many troops are being sent home?

Roughly 400 soldiers are returning from Portland and Chicago combined. This includes 200 from California and 200 from Texas. Their numbers are being significantly reduced.

Q3: What will the remaining troops do?

The soldiers who stay will focus on training exercises. They are currently not permitted to conduct joint operations with Homeland Security. Their role is now largely supportive.

Q4: What has been the political response?

Democratic leaders have welcomed the withdrawal. They had previously called the deployments an overreach of federal power. The move is seen as a reversal of a contentious policy.

Q5: Were troops deployed elsewhere?

Yes, National Guard units were also sent to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Those deployments were also related to protests and immigration enforcement actions. The situation in each city is being assessed individually.