Hundreds of National Guard Troops Withdrawn from Portland and Chicago Amid Legal Challenges
Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed to Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois, are being withdrawn following ongoing legal disputes over their original deployment. A defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the move on Monday, marking a significant shift in domestic troop operations.
In Oregon, approximately 200 California National Guard members will return home, while around 100 remain in Portland for training purposes. The Oregon National Guard’s presence will also be reduced by half. In Chicago, 200 Texas National Guard troops are being withdrawn, with another 200 placed on standby at Fort Bliss. About 300 Illinois National Guard personnel will continue limited operations in the city under legal restrictions.
The U.S. Northern Command described the withdrawals as part of a “shifting and/or rightsizing” of forces, citing the upcoming holiday season as one factor. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office criticized the original deployment, calling it “illegal” and stating that the troops’ return is long overdue.
This redeployment underscores a broader policy shift in how National Guard units are utilized for domestic missions. Legal and political debates surrounding the deployments continue, reflecting ongoing tension between state and federal authorities over military authority and public safety measures.
The withdrawal represents the end of a controversial chapter in U.S. domestic troop deployments, though officials indicate that adjustments may continue as circumstances evolve.
