Trump Authorizes ‘Full Force’ Troop Deployment in Portland

AFP/APP

Washington: The move follows similar deployments against the wishes of local Democratic leadership in Los Angeles and Washington, DC. It comes as Trump intensifies his rhetoric against left-wing activists after several deadly attacks, which he and his allies have described as evidence of a “domestic terrorist” network.

“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,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency leading Trump’s deportation drive, has faced repeated protests in recent weeks, with demonstrators intermittently blocking entrances to facilities and clashing with agents.

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It was unclear whether Trump’s directive applied only to Portland or to ICE facilities nationwide. The president further stated he was “also authorizing Full Force, if necessary,” without elaboration.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Defense Department stood “ready to mobilize US military personnel” to support ICE but provided no details.

Reacting to the announcement, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said she spoke with Trump, who “did not give me any details or specify any time” for the deployment. “There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our own major city,” she told reporters.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson also condemned the move, calling the deployment “unwanted, unneeded and un-American.” He added: “The number of necessary troops is zero in Portland and any other American city.”