Oregon lawmakers advance bill to limit federal use of National Guard

Oregon lawmakers are moving to restrict the federal government’s authority over the state’s National Guard despite a surge of violent anti-ICE protests, particularly in Portland.

Three Democratic state representatives introduced legislation that would block any deployment of the Oregon National Guard that would hinder its ability to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires. The bill also outlines the specific duties the Guard can and cannot be assigned. The proposal comes in response to President Donald Trump’s move to federalize the National Guard in California to help protect law enforcement amid anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

“Deploying the military against our country’s citizens is an affront to our democratic principles,” said Representative Dacia Grayber, one of the sponsors of the bill, in a statement. “Ensuring that the Guard can only be mobilized in keeping with their congressionally-authorized functions is a common-sense safeguard to ensure separation of responsibility between our military and our local law enforcement.”

The bill passed the House Rules Committee on Tuesday, though Republican House Leader Christine Drazan voted against it, saying she wanted to consult with the caucus, according to KATU. The bill now heads to the full House to be voted on.

The legislative push comes as Oregon has experienced increasing unrest tied to anti-ICE protests. Last Saturday, during the “No Kings” Day, law enforcement declared a riot at an ICE facility in Portland after demonstrators turned violent and blocked the removal of detained migrants. Several federal officers were injured due to the actions of demonstrators. 

Nearby residents from the facility have since publicly urged protesters to avoid violence, expressing concern about how the chaos is affecting their neighborhoods.

Downtown Portland has also seen unrest in recent days, with protesters setting fires, blocking roads, and assaulting a journalist.