The Oregon National Guard has officially initiated the process of mobilizing guard members with law enforcement experience in compliance with President Donald Trump’s recent order to deploy 200 troops to Portland. However, it may take until next week before these troops are actually on the ground. Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, the director of public affairs for the Oregon Military Department, indicated that Thursday is the earliest possible arrival date for the guard, though he expressed skepticism about meeting that timeline. Mobilization requires vetting of the guard members’ qualifications, which can take up to 96 hours, and some may also require additional training prior to deployment.
Bomar stated, “If we had everything all ready to go, the earliest would be shortly after that 96-hour mark, but I do not see that happening in this case.” The mobilization process is complicated by a lack of typical coordination between the National Guard, state agencies, and local law enforcement, including the Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah Sheriff’s office, potentially prolonging deployment efforts. The troops being deployed are selected from a pool of 300 guard members, all of whom have either military police training or certification from Oregon’s police standards agency. Of this group, 166 members from the I-5 corridor have already volunteered for service in Portland.
This deployment marks a historic moment, as it is the first time the Oregon National Guard has been mobilized within the state despite opposition from its governor. Lt. Col. Bomar noted that the only previous instance of the president deploying Oregon’s National Guard occurred for airport security in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Past deployments have included assistance with public safety and civil unrest, such as when former Governor Kate Brown activated the National Guard in November 2020 to support local police during protests. Historically, the guard has also provided support during events like the Rajneeshee takeover in Wasco County in the mid-1980s and a fisherman’s strike in Astoria in 1896.
The primary responsibility of the National Guard troops will be to provide security for federal buildings. It remains unclear where the troops will be stationed, or whether they will be armed. According to Bomar, these troops will not engage in immigration enforcement or general law enforcement activities. Lt. Col. Charles Patzner will lead the deployment and collaborate with United States Northern Command to determine the specific locations for the guard. Bomar mentioned that if it is determined that a guard presence is unnecessary, “then maybe we do stand down. It could be that simple.”
Local officials in Portland are expressing frustration over the lack of information regarding the deployment of National Guard troops. They have raised concerns about the unclear tactics used during recent protests, including the unidentified helicopter that was reported hovering near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building. “I have no details on the helicopter,” said Portland Police Chief Bob Day, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding federal intervention.
During the weekend, protests in Portland reached their peak in response to President Trump’s announcement regarding the National Guard. Counter-protesters also attended the demonstrations, leading to confrontations and some arrests. Portland police reported that two individuals were arrested on Sunday night, marking the first arrests at the ICE facility in approximately three months. Chief Day noted that the Portland police are adopting a more measured approach compared to the protests of 2020, when the death of George Floyd sparked numerous confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.
“This is one city block. The city of Portland is 145 square miles,” Chief Day remarked, arguing that the events occurring in the area do not warrant the level of federal attention they are receiving. He described the current landscape of protests as fundamentally different from those of 2020, highlighting the use of targeted arrests and dialogue officers to manage situations without escalating tensions.
Despite the changing dynamics of protests, local officials are voicing their concerns regarding the portrayal of Portland in national discourse. Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty emphasized the need for the federal government to consider current realities rather than outdated narratives. “The president cannot watch footage from over a half-decade ago and believe this is the Portland that we’re standing in today,” Beaty stated, advocating for local leaders’ insights on community safety.
The confusion surrounding the National Guard's deployment has left local officials without crucial information about the anticipated 60-day mission. The initial memorandum from the Department of Defense outlines that the troops will focus on protecting federal property and personnel, with no mention of immigration enforcement. Chief Day acknowledged the involvement of some Portland police officers in the National Guard but noted that he had not been informed of any current officers being called up for deployment.
As the situation continues to unfold, Chief Day reaffirmed the Portland police bureau’s commitment to maintaining consistency in their operations, stating, “We’re going to stay fixed on our goals,” while remaining vigilant about external influences.
