COIN Urges Oregonians to Push Back Against Military Deployment in Portland

A Constitutional Crisis in the Making?

Community organizations and advocacy groups in Oregon are sounding the alarm over the potential domestic deployment of U.S. troops in Portland. The Concerned Oregonians Information Network (COIN) is calling on residents to contact their elected officials immediately and demand a clear and forceful rejection of such measures.

The issue at stake, COIN argues, is the blatant disregard of constitutional protections. Deploying the military in American cities, they say, undermines both federal law and democratic norms. “Blatantly ignoring the Constitution and federal law to deploy U.S. troops against our own American cities can never be normalized,” the group emphasized.

Leadership Needed from Oregon Officials

COIN is urging Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon’s congressional delegation, and state legislators to take the lead in opposing any attempt to send troops into Portland.

The group pointed to Illinois as an example, where Governor J.B. Pritzker and nearly every major elected official in that state delivered a strong and united pushback. COIN believes Oregon needs that same kind of collective response now.

“NOW is the time to flood Governor Kotek’s voicemail, email, and social media,” the statement reads. “Why are you not standing up for us in Oregon?”

A Call for Public Statements

According to COIN, it is not enough for leaders to remain silent. They are calling for public declarations from every level of government—governor, state legislators, congressional representatives, mayors, city councils, and county officials.

The message they want these leaders to send is simple and firm:
“DO NOT COME HERE.”

COIN stresses that such statements are urgent, particularly with the legislature convening in Salem for a special session on Friday, August 29. They see this as a pivotal opportunity for elected officials to demonstrate solidarity with Oregonians who reject military intervention in civilian life.

Direct Action for Citizens

The group is mobilizing residents to take immediate action:

Call the Governor’s office and leave a message demanding public opposition.
Email state and federal representatives urging them to speak out.
Contact local officials—including mayors, city councils, and county leaders—pressing them to join the pushback.
Use social media to amplify the demand for accountability and leadership.

“WE NEED PUSHBACK,” COIN stressed in its announcement, emphasizing that grassroots voices can help prevent dangerous precedents.

A Message to the Troops

In its statement, COIN also directed a message to U.S. service members. Acknowledging their sacrifice and the public’s reliance on them for protection, the group asked troops to resist involvement in any domestic deployment against American citizens.

“You are our heroes, our sons, and our daughters,” the message reads. “Please do not come here—and please stay safe.”

The Road Ahead

For many in Oregon, the specter of military presence in Portland revives memories of past confrontations during protests. Advocacy groups fear that normalizing such deployments would erode public trust and escalate tensions.

As the state legislature meets and Oregonians prepare to contact their leaders, one thing is clear: the call for pushback is not just about Portland, but about defending democratic principles in every American city.