Oregon — President Donald Trump has been discussing federal intervention in Portland over the past several weeks. In a recent, September 25th, interview with the press he made the following statements:
“When you go out to Portland and you see what’s happening in Portland, nobody’s seen anything like it, every night. They just burn the place down. You know the shop owners, most of them have left, but the few shops that are open they just use plywood, 3/4 inch plywood, because they know they’re going to burn the place down.”
“On my list of things before I finish up with the cities. We have to whip our cities back into shape. We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number to the people that are doing it.”
These statements follow a memorandum issued by the President on September 25th for “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence” this order followed a September 22nd Executive Order “Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization“. The first order focusing on Antifa describes Antifa as a “militarist, anarchist enterprise” that seeks to overthrow the U.S. government and undermine the rule of law through coordinated violence, riots, threats, doxing, and attacks on law enforcement. Under the designation, federal departments and agencies are directed to use “all applicable authorities” to investigate, disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute actions by Antifa or those claiming to act on its behalf including those who provide material support.
The memorandum argues these movements aim to silence opposition, reshape policy by force, and disrupt democratic institutions by radicalization, targeted harassment (like doxxing), and violence. The memo directs enhanced coordination by federal agencies: the National Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) will lead investigations into political violence, radicalization, funding, and organizational structures. The Attorney General is tasked with issuing guidance so politically motivated violence, including doxxing, rioting, and civil disorder becomes a priority for prosecution. The Treasury Department and IRS are ordered to trace and disrupt financial support networks and ensure tax-exempt entities aren’t funneling resources into violent political activity. Finally, domestic terrorism is elevated to a “national priority” with grant programs, agency coordination, and a potential process for formal designation of groups meeting the legal definition of domestic terrorism.
Today, September 27th, 2025 President Trump issued an order for the Secretary of War to deploy troops to “War ravaged” Portland, OR including “authorizing Full Force, if necessary.”
Governor Tina Kotek’s office posted an initial response to social media stating:
My office is reaching out to the White House and Homeland Security for more information. We have been provided no information on the reason or purpose of any military mission. There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm. I ask Oregonians to stay calm and enjoy a beautiful fall day. We will have further comment when we have more information.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield also released a statement via social media
Keeping our communities safe is my top priority – and it’s clear that it’s not the President’s. This is nothing more than an attempt to incite people. We will not be baited into the President’s unhinged political games that put community safety at risk. Oregon will continue to stand firm in our values of community, accountability, and local control. And if the federal government oversteps, we are prepared to defend the rights of Oregonians.
The ICE facility in Portland has been a site of ongoing rioting by Antifa in the area, and political contest between the Republican administration and Progressive Democrats in Oregon.
In 2025, Portland’s ICE facility became the focal point of repeated violent protests leading to multiple federal prosecutions. In June, a riot erupted where demonstrators attacked the building with fireworks, rocks, and bottles, injuring officers. Six people were charged with assaulting federal officers or failing to comply with orders, while Gresham resident Ginovanni Brumbelow was separately charged after being identified on video wielding a wooden stake during the same unrest. Federal prosecutors noted the assaults carried penalties of up to eight years in prison. Just months later, in September, Portland resident Devin Montgomery was charged for operating a drone illegally over the ICE facility and spitting on an officer during his arrest. Together, these cases highlight an ongoing cycle of violent demonstrations and federal crackdowns at the Portland ICE building.
Portland officials are moving to revoke the land use permit that allows ICE to operate its only detention facility in Oregon, alleging the agency repeatedly violated permit conditions. According to the city, ICE held detained individuals overnight or beyond the 12-hour limit in at least 25 instances—contrary to its permit requirements. The city issued a land use violation notice, giving ICE 30 days to rectify the breaches or face fines or a hearing that could lead to permit revocation. Advocates see this as a major step toward shutting the facility, citing safety concerns for nearby schools and communities.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has previously criticized the federal administration’s immigration agenda saying Washington is “picking on particular cities.” During a press conference, she pushed back on President Trump’s call to increase ICE operations in major Democratic cities, arguing that law enforcement efforts should target individuals who pose real threats—not broadly target sanctuary jurisdictions.
Kotek cited massive turnout in the state’s “No Kings” rallies where tens of thousands marched in cities like Portland, Eugene, and Salem and noted damage at Portland’s ICE facility during protests, which reportedly led to minor injuries to one federal officer and two local officers. She affirmed that Oregon will address criminal behavior locally and won’t cede control.
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