US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of troops to Portland, Oregon, authorising the use of “full force” if necessary to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities targeted by protesters.
In a Saturday morning post on Truth Social, Trump announced: “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 attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists. I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary.”
The move marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s strategy of deploying federal forces to American cities, a practice critics say undermines local governance and inflames tensions. Portland has long been a flashpoint between federal authorities and activists who accuse ICE agents of heavy-handed tactics.
Portland’s Democratic mayor, Keith Wilson, has strongly rejected federal involvement, insisting earlier this month: “I have not asked for – and do not need – federal intervention.” Lawmakers from Oregon also criticised Trump’s remarks and condemned ICE’s conduct in the state.
Representative Suzanne Bonamici said on Friday: “ICE has said they’re targeting people for arrest and detainment who have committed crimes. That’s what they told us. But that’s not what we are seeing.”
Trump’s decision comes days after he formally designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organisation, framing protesters as “professional agitators and anarchists.” Earlier this month, he described Portland as “like living in hell,” signalling his intention to intervene.
The White House has not clarified whether the deployment will involve the National Guard or regular US military forces. The Department of War has yet to issue an official statement.
With tensions already high in Portland, the announcement has deepened the rift between federal authorities and local leadership, raising fears of further clashes in the city.
