Under orders from President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has officially directed National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. The deployment, set to last 60 days, aims to address what the administration describes as a “liberal hellscape.”

President Trump announced Saturday that he had authorized Hegseth to send National Guard forces into Portland, citing the need to protect federal immigration facilities from “domestic terrorists” and granting troops authority to use “full-force if necessary.” Oregon has since filed a lawsuit challenging the move, arguing it oversteps presidential powers.

The state’s legal action, led by Democratic Attorney General Dan Rayfield, accuses Trump of infringing on Oregon’s sovereignty by deploying military forces without evidence of widespread unrest. The lawsuit highlights that protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Portland have been “small and relatively contained” since June.

Hegseth signed a memo on Sunday ordering 200 Oregon National Guard troops under federal authority, which was later released as part of the lawsuit. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the decision, stating Trump is using “lawful authority” to safeguard federal assets amid “months of violent riots.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson criticized the deployment, calling it unnecessary and dangerous. Kotek stated there is no “insurrection or threat to public safety” justifying military intervention, emphasizing that local authorities are equipped to manage demonstrations near federal facilities.

The situation has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing the move escalates tensions rather than addressing underlying issues.