Portland, Oregon – President Donald Trump declared Saturday that he is authorizing the use of “Full Force” by the military to address what he described as threats by “domestic terrorists” in Portland, Oregon.
In a social media announcement, Trump said he has directed the Department of Defense to deploy all necessary troops to protect federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in Portland. The president claimed these facilities have been “under siege” by Antifa and other groups he labels as domestic terrorists.
This move marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s controversial deployments of military and federal agents to American cities experiencing protests and civil unrest. Portland, which has seen months of demonstrations, particularly around issues of federal immigration enforcement and police conduct, appears to be the latest flashpoint.
“I am authorizing Full Force, if necessary, to protect our ICE facilities and staff in Portland,” Trump said.
Democratic leaders from Oregon swiftly condemned the announcement. U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter described it as an “egregious abuse of power” and said it betrayed American values.
“Trump wants to tell a story about Portland that does not reflect who we are,” Dexter said. “The Portland we love is strong, compassionate, and steadfast in its commitment to protect our neighbors. We did not ask for federal agents, and we do not want them. Let me be clear: the Portland we love will not be divided by federal forces.”
Local officials including Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley joined Dexter in an emergency press conference on Friday night to address concerns over a sudden increase in federal law enforcement presence.
The press conference followed reports of multiple sightings of armored vehicles at the Portland ICE building on Southwest Macadam Avenue. Officials have not confirmed the exact number of federal agents currently deployed or which federal agencies are involved.
Mayor Wilson acknowledged a “sudden influx” of federal troops but gave few details, reflecting the opacity surrounding these deployments.
The president has framed the deployment as a necessary measure to protect federal property and personnel from violent attacks, amidst ongoing clashes between law enforcement and protestors identified as Antifa or aligned groups. Critics argue that the use of military force against civilians raises serious legal and constitutional questions and is likely to exacerbate tensions rather than calm them.
As this federal-military presence grows in Portland, the city stands at another crossroads amid national debates over the role of federal authority in local affairs, the boundaries of protest, and the protection of civil liberties.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available about the scope and duration of the military deployment in Portland.
Reported by sources including Oregon Public Broadcasting and statements from local officials, September 27, 2025.