Hundreds of National Guard troops sent to Chicago and Portland began leaving the cities on Sunday, according to US media. President Donald Trump ordered the deployments in early October to crack down on illegal migration. He sent forces from Texas and California to the two Democrat-led cities. Local leaders strongly opposed the move and called it an abuse of power.
Anonymous officials told the New York Times that about 200 out-of-state troops in each city started withdrawing on Sunday. These units never entered city streets because of ongoing court battles. Chicago will still keep about 300 troops from the Illinois National Guard. Portland will retain around 100 members of Oregon’s force.
US Northern Command said on Friday that it plans to “shift and rightsize” its National Guard presence in Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago. It did not provide more details.
Trump’s use of the National Guard has drawn intense criticism. The Guard normally works under state governors and responds to local emergencies like storms or wildfires. The deployment became another flashpoint in federal immigration raids.
Courts have repeatedly blocked Trump’s orders. A federal judge ruled the Portland deployment unlawful. Lower courts also halted the Chicago order, and the Supreme Court is now reviewing the case.
