Hegseth Deploys 200 National Guard Troops to Portland Amid Antifa Threats and Legal Challenges

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has deployed 200 National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities from violent actions by far-left groups such as Antifa, following President Donald Trump's directive. The deployment, authorized for 60 days, aims to address ongoing unrest, including attacks on federal property and personnel, which officials label as domestic terrorism. The Trump administration defends the action as lawful and necessary to restore order, while Oregon state officials, including Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield, have filed lawsuits to block the deployment, citing state sovereignty and accusing the federal government of overreach. Local Democrats criticize the president for politicizing the situation and relying on outdated information about Portland's current conditions. Despite legal challenges, the federal government maintains the troops will operate under U.S. Northern Command authority to secure federal assets. This escalation reflects continued tensions between federal and state authorities over handling civil unrest and the protection of federal facilities.