U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has directed the U.S. military to deploy to Portland, Oregon, to protect federal immigration facilities. Calling protesters “domestic terrorists,” Trump said he authorized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide “all necessary troops” and allow the use of “full force, if necessary.”
The move drew immediate backlash from Oregon officials. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson stated, “The number of necessary troops is zero,” stressing that violence would only occur if the federal government provokes it. Governor Tina Kotek also rejected the deployment, telling reporters that Portland faces no insurrection or national security threat. She said she urged Trump to reconsider, highlighting that violent crime in the city has dropped significantly—homicides fell 51% in the first half of 2025, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
Senator Ron Wyden accused Trump of repeating his 2020 “playbook” when federal forces escalated tensions during protests after George Floyd’s killing. Critics warn that deploying troops could again trigger unrest rather than restore order.
The Pentagon has not clarified whether the deployment will involve National Guard, active-duty troops, or both. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed readiness to support Homeland Security operations in Portland, while DHS defended the move, citing the need to protect ICE facilities amid demonstrations.
The controversy comes as Trump intensifies his crackdown on immigration. His administration has declared antifa a domestic terrorist organization despite law enforcement noting no terrorist incidents linked to the movement. Protests have erupted nationwide against immigration raids, including outside detention centers in Chicago, Dallas, and Portland.
While Trump frames the effort as a fight against crime and extremism, opponents argue it is a political strategy that risks inflaming tensions in Democrat-led cities. Portland police confirmed federal agents are already boosting security at local ICE facilities as nationwide protests grow.