Trump Deploys Troops to Portland Amid Rising Tensions

Mon Oct 20 2025 05:59:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

President Trump announces plans to send military forces to confront what he refers to as ‘domestic terrorists’ as protests against federal facilities escalate in Portland, Oregon.

In a controversial move, President Donald Trump declared on social media that he will send troops to Portland, Oregon, stating he will authorize 'Full Force, if necessary' to deal with what he terms 'domestic terrorists.' This escalation follows increasing tensions surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which have witnessed significant protests and violence.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday his intention to dispatch troops to Portland, Oregon, vowing to employ 'Full Force, if necessary' against what he labels 'domestic terrorists.' This decision comes as he broadens his controversial military deployments to urban areas across the United States.

In a social media message, Trump directed the Department of Defense to 'provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland,' claiming that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in the city are 'under siege' due to attacks from Antifa and other groups.

The president's rhetoric has escalated since the recent high-profile assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, reinforcing his focus on confronting the 'radical left,' which he asserts is responsible for the country's political violence.

This summer, Trump had previously mobilized the National Guard and active-duty Marines to locations such as Los Angeles and the District of Columbia as part of his crackdown on crime.

Portland's ICE facility has been a frequent site of protests that have sometimes resulted in violent confrontations, leading to several injuries among federal agents and numerous charges against demonstrators accused of assault. Recently, protesters set up a mock guillotine, prompting the Department of Homeland Security to denounce such actions as 'unhinged behavior.'

In response to Trump's announcement, Portland's Mayor Keith Wilson released a statement emphasizing that he had not requested federal intervention, asserting the city has effectively managed to balance freedom of expression while addressing isolated incidents of violence and property damage.

Trump further suggested the government would take significant action in Portland, characterizing demonstrators as 'professional agitators and anarchists.' His comments paint a bleak picture of the city, which he previously described as 'like living in hell.'

As tensions simmer, other cities like Memphis are preparing for increased troop presence as local leaders grapple with rising crime rates.