Trump Deploys California National Guard to Quell Portland Protests Amid Immigration Tensions

Trump Deploys California National Guard to Portland Amid Ongoing Protests In a move that has sparked international attention, US President Donald Trump deployed 300 California National Guard personnel to Oregon on October 5, 2025, amidst ongoing protests in Portland over immigration enforcement, detentions, and deportations. The deployment comes after a federal court blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deploy Oregon's own National Guard troops to the city. Governor Gavin Newsom of California responded swiftly to the news, stating that his state would "take this fight back to court." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Newsom wrote: "We are taking this fight back to court. The public cannot stay silent in the face of such reckless and authoritarian conduct by the President of the United States." The deployment is seen as an escalation of the Trump administration's efforts to quell protests in Portland, which have been ongoing for months. The city has become a focal point for anti-immigration enforcement demonstrations, with protesters calling for an end to what they see as inhumane treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. Newsom's decision to challenge the deployment in court is seen as a significant development in the ongoing battle between state and federal authorities over immigration policy. "This country has a longstanding and foundational tradition of resistance to government overreach, especially in the form of military intrusion into civilian areas," Newsom said in a statement. The international community has been watching the developments in Portland with interest, with many countries expressing concerns about the use of military force against civilians. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has called on the US government to respect human rights and avoid using excessive force against protesters. In response to Newsom's decision to challenge the deployment, Trump tweeted: "The Governor of California is trying to take away our National Guard from Portland. Not going to happen! We will protect our citizens." As the situation in Portland continues to unfold, international observers are closely watching the developments. The European Union has issued a statement expressing concern about the use of military force against civilians and calling for restraint. The current status of the deployment is that 300 California National Guard personnel have been dispatched to Oregon, with more troops expected to arrive in the coming days. Newsom's lawsuit challenging the deployment is set to be heard in court next week. Background The protests in Portland began in August 2025, sparked by concerns over immigration enforcement and treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. The city has become a focal point for anti-immigration enforcement demonstrations, with protesters calling for an end to what they see as inhumane treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. Additional Perspectives Experts say that the deployment of California National Guard personnel to Oregon is a significant escalation of the Trump administration's efforts to quell protests. "This move is a clear attempt by the Trump administration to use military force against civilians," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a human rights expert at the University of California, Berkeley. The international community has been watching the developments in Portland with interest, with many countries expressing concerns about the use of military force against civilians. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has called on the US government to respect human rights and avoid using excessive force against protesters. Next Developments As the situation in Portland continues to unfold, international observers are closely watching the developments. The European Union has issued a statement expressing concern about the use of military force against civilians and calling for restraint. Newsom's lawsuit challenging the deployment is set to be heard in court next week, with a decision expected soon. Sources Gavin Newsom, Governor of California Donald Trump, President of the United States Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Dr. Maria Rodriguez, human rights expert at the University of California, Berkeley *Reporting by Rollingstone.*