Governor Kotek: Court ruling leaves 100 of the 200 Oregon National Guard members deployed for Portland duty ‘in limbo’

(Update: New statement from adjutant general, governor)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Governor Tina Kotek said Wednesday she has received a verbal demobilization order from the U.S. Northern Command for the 200 Oregon National Guard members who were mobilized for duty in Portland on Sept. 28.

But she later said an appeals court ruling leaves half of the contingent "in limbo" pending further rulings or clarificaton.

Kotek also said the Oregon Military Department estimates that the total cost to taxpayers for the deployment in Oregon is $16 million.

In her first statement, Kotek said, “I am relieved that all 200 Oregon citizen-soldiers are finally heading home. They spent nearly 50 days away from their families, friends, and civilian jobs on an unnecessary mission that cost taxpayers millions of dollars. 

“Now that this ordeal is ending, I call on President Trump to honor his oath and focus on the real challenges facing Americans – helping families afford their health care, housing, and basic costs of living without breaking the bank.” 

Since U.S. District Judge Immergut’s first ruling on October 4th that President Trump lacks authority to federalize the Oregon National Guard, the governor has not relented in her call for demobilization (see here and here).

Attorney General Dan Rayfield issued the following statement Wednesday:

“For nearly two months, Oregon has fought in federal court to stop an unlawful effort to deploy military troops onto the streets of Portland. We knew then what this decision shows now — these deployments should never have happened in the first place. 

“We’re grateful the federal government is finally doing the right thing and sending the Oregon Guard members home, where they belong, with their families and communities in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. This outcome is a direct result of Oregon standing up, defending our state, and insisting that the rule of law still matters.”

But Wednesday evening, Kotek's office issued this update:

Governor Kotek, Adjutant General Provide Status Update on Oregon National Guard Following Court Ruling

Salem, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the 9th Circuit Court ruling to temporarily stay the district court’s November 7 permanent injunction. Adjutant General Alan R. Gronewold provided a status update on the remaining 100 Oregon National Guard troops. 

“The Oregon Military Department received notice from the U.S. Northern Command for mobilized Oregon troops to prepare for one of two outcomes, pending the circuit court ruling to either demobilize or remain in a federal status. The first 100 troops are currently in the process of demobilizing,” Adjutant General Gronewold said. 

“This ruling means the remaining 100 troops that were preparing to go home, will now remain in limbo. This is deeply disheartening and frustrating – on behalf of their families, their employers, and the taxpayers footing the bill,” Governor Kotek said. “I continue to demand that President Trump call off this ridiculous, unnecessary military intervention, send our troops home once and for all, and focus on real problems, not made-up ones.”