Story perspectives

Oregon National Guard Troops Demobilized Amid Legal Battle

1/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. military officials ordered the demobilization of 100 Oregon National Guard troops.
Troops were federalized under U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement, and Governor Tina Kotek (Oregon) expressed relief while criticizing him.
They spent most of their time at military facilities rather than deploying to Portland.
They will travel to Fort Bliss, Texas, for demobilization before returning home.
A federal court injunction preventing deployment remains in effect and is under appeal.

History

Historical Context

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), first passed in 1961, has shaped U.S. military policy and funding annually. In 2001, it enabled federal control over National Guard troops, allowing President George W. Bush to mobilize forces for domestic security. The recent federalization of Oregon National Guard troops under President Trump highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal military authority, impacting state sovereignty and future deployments.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. military officials ordered the demobilization of 100 Oregon National Guard troops.
Troops were federalized under U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement, and Governor Tina Kotek (Oregon) expressed relief while criticizing him.
They spent most of their time at military facilities rather than deploying to Portland.
They will travel to Fort Bliss, Texas, for demobilization before returning home.
A federal court injunction preventing deployment remains in effect and is under appeal.

1 / 2