Overview
- President Trump posted that he directed Defense Secretary Hegses to send forces to Portland to protect ICE sites from Antifa and other domestic terrorists, authorizing the “full use of force.”
- The White House has not specified whether the deployment will involve National Guard units or federal troops, and the timing, size, and rules of engagement remain unclear.
- Portland Mayor Wilson said the city needs zero additional forces, while Oregon Governor Kotek stated there is no security threat warranting deployment.
- The administration cites DHS claims that the Portland ICE facility has faced repeated attacks and points to a Sept. 22 executive order moving to designate Antifa as a domestic terrorist movement.
- The step follows earlier deployments or announcements involving Los Angeles, Washington, and Memphis, drawing scrutiny because the targeted cities are led by Democratic mayors.