Los Angeles, California
In early June 2025, the federal government deployed approximately 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to assist with immigration enforcement operations and the protection of federal property. The deployment has sparked legal controversy, with the State of California filing a lawsuit claiming the operation was unlawful and violated federal statutes that restrict the use of military forces in civilian law enforcement activities.
Washington, D.C.
As part of the “DC Safe and Beautiful” mission, approximately 2,300 National Guard troops have been activated to assist with law enforcement efforts, public space cleanup, and general patrols. In late August, a memo signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized some of these personnel to carry weapons under established Rules for the Use of Force. The D.C. Attorney General, filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the operation on the basis that the activation undermines the District’s right to self-governance under Home Rule and violates federal laws prohibiting military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
Chicago, Illinois
The Trump administration ordered 300 Illinois National Guard members to deployment in Chicago, alongside an additional 400 troops from the Texas National Guard to assist in the operation. In response, both the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking to block the deployment, arguing that it is unconstitutional and represents a federal overreach into state sovereignty. Despite these legal challenges, a federal judge declined to issue an immediate injunction, allowing the deployment to proceed while the case moves forward in court.
Portland, Oregon
Although approximately 200 National Guard members were ordered to deploy to Oregon, no troops have been actively deployed due to what officials have described as insufficient justification. The Oregon Attorney General and other state leaders have criticized the proposed deployment, arguing that the use of military force for civilian law enforcement violates constitutional principles. Tensions escalated when the president ordered Guard members from California into Oregon earlier that day, prompting both states to seek a temporary restraining order. On Saturday, a federal judge blocked the administration from deploying Oregon’s own National Guard troops to Portland.
Memphis, Tennessee
On September 12, 2025, President Trump announced he would deploy National Guard troops to Memphis to “fight crime,” followed by a memorandum creating a “Memphis Safe Task Force” to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts. Mayor Paul Young, has expressed caution, emphasizing limits on the Guard’s role. As of now, the full deployment has not begun, with advance teams preparing logistics on the ground.
