President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will send troops to Portland, Oregon, to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. He described the city as "war-ravaged" and claimed that these facilities are "under siege" by Antifa and other domestic groups. In a social media post, Trump stated, "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."

The White House did not clarify what Trump meant by "full force" or specify which troops would be deployed. This move is part of Trump's broader strategy to address crime in American cities. He has previously sent the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and has threatened to deploy troops to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore and Chicago.

Following Trump's announcement, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin claimed on Fox News that the administration is investigating the "highly organized" nature of protests in various cities, alleging that some protesters are being paid. However, there is no evidence to support her claims. McLaughlin stated, "Whether it be in Portland, whether it be in Chicago or otherwise, we will bring the resources we need to make sure that Americans are safe."

Local leaders, including U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, have urged residents to remain peaceful. At a news conference, Merkley accused the president of sending agents to create chaos in Portland, saying, "The president has sent agents here to create chaos and riots here in Portland, to induce a reaction. Our job is to say, 'We are not going to take the bait.'" Wilson echoed this sentiment, stating that there is no need for troops and that the president would not find lawlessness unless he intends to create it.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed concern over the lack of communication regarding the troop deployment. She stated on social media, "My office is reaching out to the White House and Homeland Security for more information. We have been provided no information on the reason or purpose of any military mission. There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm."

Trump's announcement follows a recent shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas, where a gunman killed one detainee and injured two others. Protests have been ongoing at the ICE facility in Portland, which has seen both peaceful demonstrations and instances of violence, including the use of tear gas by federal agents.

In recent comments, Trump has labeled Antifa as a "major terrorist organization" and has suggested that protesters in Portland are "professional agitators and anarchists." He has previously indicated that he would take action against what he perceives as left-wing violence.

Portland has been a focal point for protests since the murder of George Floyd in 2020, with the city experiencing a mix of peaceful protests and violent clashes. Recent demonstrations have been less intense, primarily centered around the ICE facility, which has been boarded up and tagged with graffiti. Despite the tensions, local officials have noted a decrease in violent crime in the city this year compared to the same period in 2022.