Trump orders deployment of troops to protect 'war-ravaged Portland'

Trump said that, at the request of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, he instructed War Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy 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 US President wrote on Truth Social.

This summer, Trump deployed the National Guard and the Marines against protests in Los Angeles. He has since escalated his rhetoric against what he calls the "radical left," particularly Antifa, which he accuses of fueling political violence in the country. The tension intensified after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

In recent days, Trump also signed an order designating Antifa as terrorists. The designation applies to movements and individuals who claim to fight fascism, including left-wing and far-left groups.

What's happening in Portland

The city has faced ongoing protests against the use of force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Demonstrators oppose tear gas, aggressive crowd-control tactics, and what they describe as indiscriminate dispersal by ICE agents.

Nightly protests have been taking place outside ICE's Portland offices, peaking in June. Since then, smaller clashes have continued. During the day, human rights activists often gather at the site to assist detained protesters.

Trump's anti-immigration drive has been escalating. He recently asked the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the decree to end automatic birthright citizenship.

He also threatened to declare a state of emergency in Washington if federal authorities "allow crime levels to rise" by refusing to cooperate with immigration enforcement. Trump has claimed personal credit for what he calls a complete victory over crime in the capital.

Earlier, he hinted at tougher immigration measures in Chicago, posting: "I love the smell of deportations in the morning."