National Guard Troops in Major Cities Withdraw Amid Legal Battles

Mon Nov 17 2025 23:22:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As legal disputes over their deployment escalate, hundreds of National Guard troops in Chicago and Portland are returning home. This shift signals a potential turning point in the military's involvement in domestic policing under the Trump administration.

The U.S. Northern Command announced the withdrawal of hundreds of National Guard troops from Chicago and Portland amid ongoing legal challenges to their presence. Approximately 200 troops from California will return home while others will remain for training. The shake-up is part of broader changes to the deployment that have sparked legal disputes across Democratic-led cities. Additionally, the political ramifications of these deployments are under scrutiny as officials argue about the legality and appropriateness of using military resources for domestic issues.

Amid ongoing legal challenges regarding their deployment, hundreds of National Guard troops in major cities like Chicago and Portland are set to return home. This decision comes on the heels of court battles concerning the legality of military presence in these Democratic-led cities, particularly under the Trump administration's initiatives.

The U.S. Northern Command disclosed on Sunday that adjustments are being made in troop deployments, with about 200 California National Guard soldiers in Oregon being withdrawn while 100 will stay for training purposes. Similarly, about 200 Texas National Guard troops stationed in Chicago will return, whereas an additional 300 Illinois National Guard troops will continue their training in the area.

These changes in military deployment are viewed as significant, particularly given the tensions surrounding the federal response to civil unrest and immigration issues prevalent during Trump’s presidency. The upcoming holiday season has also been cited as a possible influence on these troop changes.

Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized the initial deployment, stating that it was illegal, and expressed relief at the troops' return. The presence of National Guard troops has sparked pushback from municipal leaders who argue that their deployment was both politically motivated and not legally justified.

Recent court rulings have sided with these local governments, with U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut issuing a permanent injunction that blocked the deployment of troops in Portland. This ruling is currently under appeal by the Trump administration.

These troop deployments have become a focal point of contention, representing the extensive usage of military resources for domestic matters, a strategy that has faced significant legal and public challenges. As the situation evolves, the implications of military involvement in civilian policing continue to raise questions about the balance of power between federal and local authorities.