Administrative Delays Postpone National Guard Deployment to Portland; Costs Estimated at $3.8 Million

The deployment of 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland has been delayed beyond the standard 96-hour timeline due to administrative tasks, according to Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar. The mission, initiated by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, is now expected to commence later than initially planned.

The 80-day mission includes training, a 60-day deployment, and demobilization, running through December 16. Russell Gibson, governmental and legislative affairs director for the Oregon Military Department, informed state lawmakers that the federal government will cover the estimated $3.8 million cost for troop salaries, excluding logistics expenses such as food, lodging, and transportation.

Democratic officials have criticized the deployment. U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum stated, "It's a waste of money. There are other projects that we really do need help with here in the state, and we have every expectation that those should have been funded instead."

The Oregon Military Department has identified that some guard members require updated training and medical processing before deployment. Lt. Col. Bomar emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, stating, "It's just — smooth is fast for us, and it would be way better to ensure everything is dialed in perfectly before any movement."

A federal court hearing scheduled for Friday could potentially delay the deployment indefinitely. Oregon has filed for a temporary injunction, arguing that the mobilization is illegal, unnecessary, and harmful. Governor Tina Kotek has expressed intentions to "delay, pause, redirect" the deployment, citing the ongoing legal case and her unsuccessful attempts to persuade President Donald Trump to reconsider.

The U.S. North Command has assumed control of two National Guard companies, one military police and one infantry, both trained in crowd control. Troops are prohibited from engaging in direct law enforcement activities to comply with laws restricting military involvement in civilian policing.