Abbott OKs 400 Texas Guardsmen for Chicago, Portland

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he authorized President Trump to call up 400 Texas National Guard members who are deploying now to protect federal property and officials in cities including Chicago and Portland after the White House requested reinforcements. The move is part of broader federal orders to federalize National Guard units, including up to 300 Illinois guardsmen and additional troops from California. President Trump said he might consider invoking the Insurrection Act if deemed necessary. Democratic governors and local leaders, including Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Oregon officials, have condemned the deployments as unlawful “invasions,” refused coordination and filed lawsuits to block federalized troops; Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an “ICE-free” order for city property amid confrontations between federal agents and protesters. A federal judge temporarily barred the administration’s plan to send National Guard forces into Oregon and has questioned attempts to circumvent that order by bringing in out-of-state troops, and multiple legal challenges are pending. Abbott defended his decision on social media, praising the Texas Guard’s readiness and urging officials to protect federal employees or “get out of the way.”