U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized what he described as the use of “full force, if necessary” in response to ongoing protests in Portland, Oregon. The decision has quickly reignited debates about federal intervention in Democratic-led cities.
On Saturday, Trump announced that he had ordered federal troops to Portland, a move he said was aimed at protecting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. The announcement came after a Department of Homeland Security report detailed repeated protests near an ICE building, including noise complaints from nearby residents.
Trump, posting on Truth Social, wrote:
“At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary troops to protect war-ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE facilities under siege from Antifa and other domestic terrorists. I am also authorizing full force, if necessary.”
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, however, strongly rejected the plan, stressing that the city does not require federal involvement. In a statement, he said:
“We are proud that Portland police have successfully protected freedom of expression while addressing occasional violence and property destruction. Portland will continue to rise to the moment as a proud sanctuary city, and we will take legal action to defend our community and our rights.”
The deployment follows earlier actions by Trump, who previously sent federal troops to Los Angeles during mass deportation operations. That move led to legal challenges, with a federal judge ruling the deployment illegal earlier this month. Despite the ruling, more than 300 National Guard members remain stationed in Los Angeles, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
This latest escalation marks a continuation of Trump’s hardline stance on protests targeting ICE. In recent days, he has also threatened to send troops to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, and New Orleans.
Supporters of Trump argue the move is necessary to restore order and protect federal property. Critics, however, view it as federal overreach that undermines local authority and inflames tensions.
The Portland protests have centered on immigration policy and federal enforcement, with demonstrators frequently gathering near ICE facilities. While most demonstrations have remained peaceful, officials reported instances of graffiti, property damage, and verbal clashes with officers.
The coming weeks may determine whether Trump’s order withstands legal scrutiny, as Portland’s leaders prepare for what could be another protracted legal battle over the limits of presidential power.
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