Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has issued a strong call for the immediate demobilization of Oregon and California National Guard troops. In a letter addressed to General Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, Kotek expressed her concern over the troops being left in limbo following a federal judge's decision to block their deployment in Portland.
The troops were federalized under Title 10 by the previous administration, with the California troops mobilized in June and the Oregon troops in late September. However, U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut issued temporary restraining orders, halting the deployment.
Governor Kotek emphasized the disruption this situation is causing to the lives of citizen soldiers, stating, "Our citizen soldiers deserve better than to be uprooted from their families and careers, only to be mobilized for an illegal mission positioning our soldiers in opposition to the U.S. Constitution’s 1st, 4th and 10th amendments, of which they have taken an oath to uphold."
She further highlighted the impact on the National Guard's already demanding schedule of required trainings and lawful deployments planned for the coming years. The governor is "directing" Guillot to begin demobilization immediately.
Prior to the court orders, the 200 federalized Oregon National Guard troops were training at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, while the approximately 200 California National Guard troops were stationed at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley.
Why This Matters to South Africa
While this situation unfolds in the United States, it highlights broader concerns about the role of the military in domestic affairs and the importance of respecting constitutional rights. These are issues that resonate globally, including in South Africa, where discussions around civil liberties and the use of armed forces are ongoing.
Key Takeaways:
- Oregon Governor calls for immediate demobilization of National Guard troops.
- Federal judge blocked the deployment, leaving troops in limbo.
- Governor cites disruption to soldiers' lives and potential constitutional violations.