President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he will send troops to Portland, Oregon, calling the city “war ravaged.” He said the troops will protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities from attacks by Antifa and other “domestic terrorists.”
Trump posted that he authorized “full force if necessary” to secure the facilities. The White House has not explained what “full force” means or which troops will be sent. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the decision comes after “weeks of violent riots” at ICE sites. However, there is no evidence supporting these claims.
Meanwhile, local leaders urged residents to stay calm. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said the city is safe and peaceful. Wilson suggested that sending engineers, teachers, or outreach workers could help more than troops. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said her office had not been informed and sees no national security threat.
Trump’s announcement follows a recent shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas and continued protests at Portland’s ICE center. He has called Antifa a “major terrorist organization” and accused some protesters of being paid to stir chaos.
This action shows Trump’s willingness to use federal forces in cities he claims face law-and-order challenges.
