Two hundred federalized California National Guard members stationed in Portland, Oregon, and another 200 Texas National Guard members in Chicago will return to their home states. This decision comes after the troops were deployed in early October but did not engage in operational duties due to ongoing legal challenges.

U.S. Northern Command announced late Friday that adjustments to the federalized troop mission in these cities are forthcoming. The command stated on social media that it would be "shifting and/or rightsizing our Title 10 footprint in Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago to ensure a constant, enduring, and long-term presence in each city."

The California and Texas National Guard members were activated under federal orders by President Donald Trump and placed on active duty Title 10 status. Despite their deployment, legal rulings prevented any operational activities.

According to U.S. officials, California will maintain a ready force of 100 Guard members, while Texas will keep 200 members who have volunteered for the mission. In Chicago, the 200 members of the Illinois National Guard, also federalized by Trump, will remain on active duty. However, the number of federalized Oregon National Guard troops will be reduced from 200 to 100.

An official from the City of North Chicago confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security had completed its operations and vacated the Naval Station Great Lakes. The official stated, "We are not aware of any DHS activity post that notification that would lead us to believe anything to the contrary."

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's office expressed concerns about the federal government's military presence in cities. The governor's office stated, "This confirms what we have always known: this is about normalizing military forces in American cities. Illinois will continue fighting for our state sovereignty, protecting people's rights, and keeping our communities peaceful."

The situation remains fluid as the federal government continues to navigate the legal landscape surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops in urban areas. The return of the Texas and California National Guard members marks a significant shift in the federal response to ongoing challenges in these cities.