President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy federal troops to Portland, Oregon, citing what he described as a city plagued by violence and anarchy. In a Truth Social post, he claimed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities were under siege by Antifa and domestic terrorists, and authorized “Full Force, if necessary” to protect them. His remarks echoed previous statements portraying Portland as lawless and dangerous, though he did not clarify the scope or timeline of the deployment. Pentagon officials appeared caught off guard by the announcement, with no immediate details available on troop mobilization. The move follows a recent shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas and ongoing protests in Portland, intensifying tensions between federal authorities and local leaders.
Local and state officials in Oregon strongly opposed the president’s directive. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson criticized the decision as harmful and unwelcome, warning of negative impacts on the city’s economy and social cohesion. Senator Jeff Merkley urged residents to avoid direct confrontation with federal forces, while Governor Tina Kotek challenged Trump’s characterization of Portland as “war-ravaged,” asserting that the city remains vibrant and under control. She also questioned the legality of deploying federal troops without state consent and is coordinating a response with the attorney general. The controversy reflects broader national tensions over federal intervention in cities led by Democratic officials, with similar deployments in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles already facing legal challenges.