The U.S. Department of Defense has begun a drawdown of select National Guard units previously assigned to support federal security operations in parts of Chicago and Portland, according to early reports from U.S. media and defense officials. The reduction comes as federal agencies reassess security needs and adjust deployments in cities where previous unrest, protests, and public safety concerns prompted enhanced federal support.
A senior defense official, cited by Reuters and other national security correspondents, stated that the withdrawal involves “a limited number of personnel” and emphasized that local and federal law enforcement agencies will continue to maintain public-safety operations. The Pentagon has not yet released a full breakdown of troop numbers or the specific timeline of the drawdown.
Background
National Guard deployments in these cities have, at various points, been linked to crowd-control support, critical infrastructure protection, and coordination with local authorities during periods of heightened tension. Civil liberties groups and some local leaders have long questioned the presence of federal tactical units, while others argued the deployments helped stabilize security conditions.
Reactions
Local government officials in both cities say they have been briefed on the changes, though some have requested additional clarity. Community organizations and legal advocates are monitoring the situation closely, urging transparency regarding future federal engagements.
What Comes Next
Defense analysts suggest that the drawdown may be part of a larger, ongoing reassessment of domestic security resource allocation. The Pentagon is expected to provide further updates once interagency reviews are concluded.
More information will be reported as details become publicly available.
Sources
Early reporting from defense and national security correspondents
Statements attributed to senior Pentagon officials in Reuters and related U.S. media reports
Public comments from city and state officials monitoring the withdrawal
Analysis from legal and community advocacy groups
