Hundreds of National Guard troops from California and Texas are heading back home after being deployed to Portland and Chicago during protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. A Defense Department official confirmed this news over the weekend.
About 200 soldiers from California went to Portland, and 200 from Texas went to Chicago. Officials stated the purpose was to safeguard federal assets.
However, federal judges have stopped these National Guard soldiers from being deployed in those cities while legal challenges continue. Recently, the Trump administration appealed a ruling to the Supreme Court that prevented the troops from going to Portland.
In addition, the number of federalized Oregon National Guard members will drop to 100, while approximately 300 Illinois National Guard members will stay under federal control. This move comes as U.S. Northern Command announced plans to adjust its presence in Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Portland and Chicago have experienced ongoing demonstrations at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. Many local officials have opposed the federal response, viewing it as an unnecessary escalation. This situation reflects a broader trend, as similar deployments have occurred in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Memphis under the guise of protecting federal property.
An expert in law enforcement pointed out that using military presence in civilian protests can often create more tension rather than resolve issues. A recent survey showed that 68% of Americans believe that a de-escalation approach is better than military involvement during social unrest.
As cities navigate the balance between federal authority and local governance, many are left wondering how future protests will unfold. Social media trends show increasing grassroots mobilization, indicating that citizens are ready to voice their concerns.
For further information on these developments, you can read more from CBS News.
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