President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, September 27, 2025, a significant escalation in federal intervention, ordering the deployment of troops to Portland, Oregon, and authorizing the use of “Full Force, if necessary” against protesters. The directive, made via social media, aims to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, which the President claims are “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”
The President’s Directive and ‘Full Force’ Authorization
In a post on his social media platform, Trump declared he had directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to “provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege.” The order specifies that “Full Force, if necessary” is authorized, indicating a readiness to employ significant military power to quell unrest and protect federal property. The Department of Defense has been tasked with this operation, though details regarding the timeline and specific troop numbers have not yet been released.
Declaring War on ‘Domestic Terrorists’
The decision comes less than a week after President Trump officially designated the decentralized anti-fascist movement, Antifa, as a “domestic terrorist organization.” The White House has characterized Antifa as a “militarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of law.” The President has repeatedly blamed “the radical left” for political violence and unrest across the country, particularly following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier in September. This move is framed by the administration as a necessary response to what it describes as coordinated efforts to spread political violence and suppress lawful political speech.
Local Opposition and Warnings from Oregon Leaders
In Portland, Oregon, local and state officials expressed strong opposition to the impending federal intervention. Mayor Keith Wilson stated unequivocally that federal officers are “neither needed nor wanted in the city,” adding, “We did not ask for them to come.” Governor Tina Kotek also issued a statement saying there was “no national security threat in Portland” and that “Our communities are safe and calm.” U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter were among those who urged residents to remain calm and avoid provocation, with Merkley advising the public to “don’t take the bait.” Officials noted a surge in federal agents in the city preceding the President’s announcement, stating their presence lacked precedent or clear purpose.
Broader Context of Federal Deployments
President Trump’s order for troops in Portland is part of a broader pattern of federalizing law enforcement responses to protests and unrest in American cities. This deployment follows similar, often controversial, actions in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Memphis, with threats also made against cities like Chicago and Baltimore. Critics have raised concerns about the legality and implications of using federal military forces for domestic law enforcement, citing potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits the use of the military for domestic policing. The Trump administration has, however, invoked authorities such as 10 U.S.C. § 12406 and alluded to the Insurrection Act, although the specific legal basis for the Portland deployment remains a subject of debate.
Legal and Constitutional Questions Loom
The repeated use of federal forces and military personnel in domestic situations has ignited significant legal and constitutional questions. Experts and civil liberties advocates have argued that these deployments blur the lines between military and law enforcement functions, potentially eroding democratic checks and balances. The designation of Antifa as a terrorist organization, coupled with the authorization of “Full Force,” signals a hardening of the administration’s stance against perceived domestic threats, even as local leaders in Oregon push back against federal overreach. The situation in Portland highlights the ongoing tension between federal authority and state/local control during periods of civil unrest.
