Donald Trump has directed troops to use ‘full force’ against demonstrators in another American city. He claims to be targeting “domestic terrorists” and aims to deploy troops to address protests against the conduct and sometimes violent methods of immigration officers in Portland, Oregon.
The announcement was made on his Truth Social platform, where he stated the need to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, which he alleges are under attack by Antifa and other domestic terrorists. Antifa, originally an anti-fascist term, has been misrepresented by the Trump administration as an actual organized group.
Trump has labeled Antifa a ‘domestic terror’ group, raising concerns that this designation could be used to suppress protests against him and his policies with force. The White House did not immediately provide details on the deployment, including the timeline or the troops involved.
Previously, Trump had threatened to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, but the action did not materialize. In Memphis, Tennessee, an expected deployment of around 150 troops is planned, significantly fewer than those sent to Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles in response to immigration protests.
Pentagon officials have not responded promptly to requests for information. Trump has intensified efforts to combat what he calls the “radical left” following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, deploying National Guard and active-duty Marines in Los Angeles and during law enforcement actions in the nation’s capital.
The ICE facility in Portland has been a focal point of frequent demonstrations, resulting in occasional violent confrontations. Some federal agents have been injured, and protesters have faced assault charges. Trump hinted at an upcoming operation targeting protesters in Portland, referring to them as “professional agitators and anarchists.”
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In September, Trump likened living in Portland to “living in hell” and contemplated sending federal troops to address crime, a threat he has extended to other cities like Chicago and Baltimore. Portland’s mayor, Keith Wilson, clarified that the city has not requested federal intervention and is capable of balancing freedom of expression with addressing sporadic violence and property damage.
In Tennessee, Memphis prepares for an increase in National Guard troops to combat crime, as coordinated by Republican Gov. Bill Lee. The troops will be part of a resource surge to enhance law enforcement efforts in the city.