President Donald Trump on Friday said he had authorized U.S. military forces to deploy to Portland to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying the request came from “Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem” and declaring a “state of war” in the city.
Trump said he would allow the military to go into action with “full force,” though it was not clear exactly how many soldiers he planned to send.
At an ICE center 3 kilometers from downtown Portland, people have been demonstrating for months against the Trump administration’s strict migration policies and numerous deportations. The protests have been mostly peaceful, although tear gas has been used a few times. The center closed temporarily this summer.
Mayor Keith Wilson of progressive Portland said it was unnecessary to send in the military. He said, “The president will not find lawlessness or violence here unless he intends to instigate that himself.” Wilson held a press conference Friday in response to the influx of federal agents. Several dozen protesters were on the ground there that evening.
A day earlier, Trump said “lunatics” were trying to set fire to buildings in Portland. “They are professional troublemakers and anarchists,” he said, without providing evidence.
This is not the first time Trump has deployed the military in a predominantly Democratic city. Previously, he sent National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles because of demonstrations against his deportation policies. He also sent the National Guard to Washington, allegedly to fight crime.
