In a bold and unexpected move, President Donald Trump revealed on Saturday that he is sending U.S. troops to Portland to secure Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities and counter unrest linked to Antifa, as Politico reports.

This controversial decision, met with swift opposition from Oregon officials and clouded by legal questions under the Posse Comitatus Act, marks a significant federal intervention in the city.

Trump shared the news through a post on Truth Social, explaining that the deployment was initiated following a request from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Trump's action sparks fierce debate

The president instructed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to provide all necessary personnel to protect Portland and its ICE facilities, underscoring that considerable force could be utilized if the situation demanded it.

In his online message, Trump characterized the city as being under threat from Antifa and other groups, framing the military presence as a critical response to domestic dangers.

This announcement comes shortly after a tragic incident last week at an ICE facility in Dallas, where a gunman fatally shot one detainee and wounded two others, leading the Department of Homeland Security to allocate additional resources for heightened security at such locations.

Legal uncertainties abound

The legal grounds for deploying federal troops within the United States remain ambiguous, as the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 typically prohibits their use in domestic law enforcement roles.

Officials within the Pentagon have expressed uncertainty regarding the directive, with one suggesting that the operation might transition to a National Guard mission focused on logistical support rather than direct confrontation.

Trump has a history of similar interventions, having sent federal forces to Los Angeles earlier this year following violent protests over immigration issues, a deployment that a federal judge later deemed unlawful, though that ruling is currently under appeal.

Oregon leaders condemn federal involvement

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek voiced strong disapproval, learning of the formal decision only through Trump’s social media update, despite having discussed the matter with him and Noem earlier on Saturday morning.

She asserted that Portland is not facing a crisis and does not need external assistance, having directly communicated to Trump that the city is handling its own affairs without issue.

Kotek reinforced her stance by declaring, "There is no mission for them right now," and confirmed she would not authorize any National Guard participation in response to the federal order.

Community resistance grows

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, speaking on Friday evening, reiterated that the city had not requested federal agents and warned that their presence could negatively impact local businesses and economic opportunities.

Democrat Sen. Jeff Merkley advised citizens to express their dissent in a peaceful manner and maintain a safe distance from any federal troops to prevent potential conflicts or escalations.

Likewise, Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter committed to opposing the directive through legal challenges and public advocacy, while Secretary of State Tobias Read cautioned that such an action deeply threatens American values, urging a nonviolent response with the message to "peacefully say: no troops on our streets."