NYC Joins National Coalition Opposing Federal Military Deployment in U.S. Cities

The City of New York has joined a coalition of 74 local governments nationwide in filing a new amicus brief supporting Oregon’s lawsuit against the federal government’s deployment of National Guard troops in Portland. The coalition is urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to uphold a lower court ruling that blocked the Trump administration from using federal troops for local law enforcement activities.

The brief argues that the federal government’s actions threaten local sovereignty, public safety, and economic stability, setting a dangerous precedent for cities across the country. The coalition contends that deploying the National Guard “anytime, anywhere, for any reason” undermines constitutional limits on federal power and disrupts established local systems of law enforcement.

Mayor Eric Adams, on October 7, 2025, voiced strong opposition to the federal move, reaffirming New York City’s commitment to maintaining control over its own public safety strategy.

“New York City is proud to partner with other localities to assert control over our own domain — public safety,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration has been unrelenting in driving down crime and keeping New Yorkers safe. We collaborate with state and federal partners where appropriate, such as fighting illegal guns, but we do not need or support National Guard deployment in our city.”

The case, Oregon v. Trump, stems from the Trump administration’s decision in September 2025 to send National Guard troops to Portland during protests related to immigration enforcement. The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon ruled in early October that the deployment likely violated federal law, citing insufficient evidence of violence or unrest to justify the military action.

New York City’s Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant emphasized that using military force in domestic settings is both unconstitutional and counterproductive.

“The president continues to treat American cities as military training grounds based on misinformation,” said Goode-Trufant. “Federalizing the National Guard to police civilians sows chaos in communities and should only be a last resort under extreme circumstances.”

The brief also highlights the economic consequences of such deployments, citing data showing steep financial costs to taxpayers and local businesses. Los Angeles reportedly spent $134 million on a prior National Guard deployment, while Oregon could face over $10 million in expenses for the current operation. Businesses in affected areas also report significant losses due to fear, disruption, and reduced consumer activity.

Legal experts supporting the coalition argue that the federal government’s justification for deploying 200 troops in Portland violates 10 U.S.C. §12406, which only allows such action in cases of invasion or rebellion. They contend that using military force under the guise of maintaining public order dangerously erodes the balance of power between federal and local authorities.

In addition to New York City and Portland, other participating jurisdictions include Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Denver, Pittsburgh, Austin, and San Francisco, among dozens of others from 27 states. The coalition represents an unprecedented alliance of cities united against the federal overreach of military authority in domestic governance.

The amicus brief underscores a shared belief that local law enforcement agencies — not the military — are best equipped to handle civil disturbances. It concludes that preserving community trust and upholding constitutional limits on executive power are essential to ensuring peace, order, and democracy in American cities.

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