Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will deploy military forces to Portland, Oregon.
On Saturday (September 27), Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, according to a report by CNN.
Trump stated: “At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to send the necessary military to war-torn Portland. Antifa and other domestic terrorists have blocked our ICE infrastructure. I am also authorizing the use of full force if necessary.”
He claimed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities were under attack from Antifa and other “domestic terrorists,” and that the move was aimed at protecting them.
CNN reported that when asked what Trump specifically meant by “use of full force,” the White House did not immediately respond.
Reports indicate that an ICE facility, located about two miles from Portland, has been the site of ongoing protests for several months. Demonstrators have been rallying against alleged mistreatment and arrests of immigrants.
Local politicians and officials have urged residents to remain calm.
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley said, “From what I understand, the President has sent his agents here to provoke chaos and riots in order to create a reaction — to spark protests and conflict. His goal is to make Portland look exactly the way he describes it. Our job is to make sure we don’t fall into that trap.”
The mayor of Portland, members of the city council, and several members of Congress also called for peace.
It should be noted that federal forces had already been active in Portland in previous months, and Trump’s latest announcement has reignited debates over security, protests, and the ongoing tensions between federal and local authorities.
