WASHINGTION – President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Saturday that he has directed U.S. troops to deploy to Portland, Oregon, saying the move is necessary to protect federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities he claims are under sustained attack.
In his post, Trump described Portland as “war-ravaged” and said federal officers had come under siege from what he called “Antifa and other domestic terrorists.” He said the deployment was made at the request of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and that he had instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide “all necessary troops” and to authorize “full force, if necessary.”
“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. I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said in a Truth Social this morning.
Donald Trump on Truth Social
The ICE facility in Portland has been the scene of frequent protests with arrests and injuries amongst activists and police. On Thursday, Trump hinted at this operation from the Oval Office, saying, “We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland.”
As federal agencies began to increase their presence in the city, officials from city hall to Congress gathered Friday night with what they called a unified message: “Don’t take the bait.” They urged residents to make their voices heard peacefully and to avoid clashes that could invite a heavier federal response.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said, “Instead of help, they’re sending armored vehicles and masked men. If the federal government didn’t come to lend us a hand, then take a hike.
