BREAKING: President Donald Trump has just announced plans to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, in response to escalating anti-ICE protests that have rocked the city. This urgent move comes amid growing tensions as the protests, which began in June, have increasingly turned violent.
In a post on Truth Social early Saturday morning, Trump stated, “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 attack by Antifa and other domestic terrorists.” He emphasized he is ready to authorize “Full Force, if necessary.”
Protests have surged outside the ICE facility in Portland, with demonstrators expressing anger over immigration enforcement policies. The situation has intensified, prompting clashes between protesters and federal agents. Authorities have resorted to using rubber bullets, tear gas, and flashbangs to disperse crowds that have at times resorted to violence, including the display of a guillotine during a protest in August.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently responded to these protests by adding a new American flag to the Portland ICE facility after previous flags were burned by demonstrators. The city, declared a sanctuary city in 2017, has seen its policies come under federal scrutiny, with Trump’s administration pushing back against local regulations that limit immigration enforcement.
In a pointed letter to Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, Attorney General Pam Bondi warned, “You are hereby notified that your jurisdiction has been identified as one that engages in sanctuary policies that thwart federal immigration enforcement.” Bondi demanded action to align city policies with federal law.
Portland’s City Attorney Robert Taylor has countered these claims, asserting the city’s compliance with federal laws. “Please take this letter as the City’s response that the City of Portland complies with applicable federal and state laws,” Taylor wrote.
As tensions mount, the implications of Trump’s decision to send troops could be significant, not only for Portland but for cities across the U.S. grappling with similar protests. The deployment raises questions about the federal response to local governance, particularly in areas that have positioned themselves as sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants.
WHAT’S NEXT: As federal troops prepare to arrive, all eyes will be on Portland. The protests are expected to continue, and local officials will need to navigate the complex dynamics of public safety and civil rights. Residents are urged to stay informed as city leaders and law enforcement brace for potential confrontations.
In the backdrop of increasing unrest, the situation remains fluid. Follow our coverage for the latest updates as this story develops.