Trump Authorizes Troop Deployment to Portland, Signals ‘Full Force’ Response
Portland, OR – President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of US troops to Portland, Oregon, signaling a willingness to use “full force” to quell ongoing unrest. The declaration, made Saturday via a post on Truth social, directs the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to deploy personnel to protect Portland and ICE facilities reportedly under attack.
“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,” Trump wrote. “I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary.”
The move represents a further escalation of federal involvement in American cities amid a broader crackdown on immigration. While the post doesn’t specify whether National Guard or regular US military personnel will be deployed, it underscores the administration’s firm stance against protests that have sometimes turned violent.
Portland’s Mayor Keith Wilson stated earlier this month, “I have not asked for – and do not need – federal intervention.”
The ICE facility in Portland has been a frequent target of protesters, resulting in clashes and reported injuries to federal agents.
Trump alluded to potential action in Portland on Thursday, telling reporters in the Oval Office, “We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland,” referring to protesters as “professional agitators and anarchists.” He previously described Portland as “like living in hell” and indicated he was considering sending in federal troops.
This action follows Trump’s earlier decision this week to formally designate antifa as a domestic terrorist association.
Democratic Oregon lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to Trump’s rhetoric and alleged actions by ICE agents. Representative Suzanne Bonamici told reporters 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.”
The Department of War has been contacted by the BBC for further details regarding the deployment.
