“PROTECTING THEM FROM WHO???”
From those of us who might take exception to their behavior?
From themselves. From agents who would rather riot than have peaceful protest. If this General is to be believed, ICE would be free to do its Federal job, while Oregonians may express themselves in protest - and only protest.
It is actually a brilliant understanding of the role of the National Guard. It is also probably why they were NOT allowed in DC by Pelosi during her fake Reichstag Fire.