U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that federal troops will be deployed to Portland at the request of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
Federal Deployment to Portland
President Donald Trump revealed in a Saturday (27 September) social media post that, at the request of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, federal troops will be sent to Portland. He instructed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to “ensure all necessary military units are in place to protect war-torn Portland and all our ICE facilities, which are under attack by Antifa and other domestic terrorists.” Trump added, “If necessary, I authorize the use of full force.”
The ICE facility in Portland has been the site of frequent protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, often ending in clashes with law enforcement and arrests.
Broader Campaign Against “Radical Left”
It remains unclear on what legal basis such an operation could proceed, as U.S. law restricts the president’s ability to use federal troops for state law enforcement. However, Trump’s decision aligns with his ongoing campaign against what he calls the “radical left.” Following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Trump has escalated his rhetoric against political opponents, previously describing life in Portland as “living in hell.” He has also hinted at potential interventions in other Democrat-led cities, including Chicago and New Orleans. Earlier, as noted by Axios, Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
Local Officials Denounce Deployment
On Friday (26 September), Portland Mayor Keith Wilson held a press conference, stating that the city had seen a “sudden influx” of federal agents and armored vehicles. He emphasized that he had not requested their presence. “They are here without justification or any legitimate reason,” he said. “This federal mobilization is a distraction. Imagine if, instead, the government sent us 100 teachers, 100 engineers, or 100 addiction specialists.”
