National Guard troops have been called to Portland. Here’s when to expect them

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland can expect to see boots on the ground by Thursday, an Oregon Military Department spokesperson told KOIN 6 News. 

On Saturday, the Department of Defense issued a memorandum notifying the Oregon National Guard that the Department of War had received a request from the Department of Homeland Security for immediate assistance protecting “federal personnel, functions and property” in Oregon. 

According to the memo, the Secretary of War then authorized federal funding for 200 members of the Oregon National Guard to carry out the mission.

The Oregon Military Department notified its members Sunday, according to the spokesperson. From there, it can take about 96 hours for them to report for duty.

“Thursday is the goal but it could potentially be sooner,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar.

Oregon National Guard members come from all over the state. Bomar said it was important to reiterate what Governor Tina Kotek said during a Sunday press conference:

“Regardless of who is directing their deployment, let’s remember the Oregon National Guard is made up of Oregonians who are citizen soldiers who are our neighbors and friends. I will use everything in my authority to support them as Oregonians. I will have their back.”

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Governor Kotek, and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson announced Monday morning they had filed for a temporary restraining order to prevent the action.