A small Imperial Garrison was stationed on Cloud City soon after the Battle of Hoth, subsequent to the failed apprehension of escaping members from the Rebel Alliance. Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, and their new compatriot Lando Calrissian together with Chewbacca and a pair of droids were successful in their escape from the Imperial snare aboard the substantially altered YT-1300 light freighter known as the Millennium Falcon. Prior to their departure, Baron Administrator Lando Calrissian succeeded in alerting the inhabitants of Cloud City to the recent presence of Imperial troops, prompting widespread panic and subsequent exodus.
Following the Battle of Endor, the Imperial Garrison was removed due to the demise of the Emperor. However, Governor Ubrik Adelhard regained control by implementing the Iron Blockade.