UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced plans to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, following escalating anti-ICE protests that have gripped the city for months. In a post made on Truth Social early Saturday, Trump stated he would send troops “to protect” ICE facilities amid threats from groups like Antifa and others labeled as “domestic terrorists.”
Trump’s directive comes at the request of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, as tensions rise with demonstrators outside the ICE facility. “I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary,” Trump added, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Protests in Portland have intensified since June, with clashes between demonstrators and federal agents resulting in the use of rubber bullets, tear gas, and flashbangs to disperse crowds. The unrest has included violent incidents, such as protesters displaying a guillotine and confronting law enforcement, raising alarms about safety in the area.
In a move to address vandalism, the Department of Homeland Security recently installed a new American flag at the ICE facility after previous flags were burned during protests. The facility has faced scrutiny for alleged land use violations, further complicating the ongoing tensions.
Portland has been a declared sanctuary city since 2017, largely resisting federal immigration enforcement, which has made it a focal point in the Trump administration’s immigration policies. This deployment of troops mirrors past incidents where federal forces were sent to counter protests in cities like Los Angeles and Newark.
Local officials, including Portland City Attorney Robert Taylor, have stated the city complies with federal law, pushing back against claims made by officials such as Attorney General Pam Bondi, who accused the city of obstructing federal enforcement efforts.
As protests continue to flare, the situation remains fluid. Authorities are bracing for further unrest as Trump’s administration prepares to take decisive action. This developing story is drawing national attention, spotlighting the ongoing conflict over immigration policies and local governance.
Residents and officials alike are on edge, responding to the urgent need to restore order in a city that has become emblematic of the national divide on immigration. The impact of Trump’s decision will unfold in the coming days as military and law enforcement navigate the complexities of local protests.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the situation in Portland evolves.
