PORTLAND, Ore. — Conservative journalist Andy Ngo, senior editor at The Post Millennial, alleged on Thursday that members of the Portland City Council are actively conspiring with Antifa-aligned demonstrators. His remarks came during an appearance on Newsmax’s National Report, just a day after President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of the National Guard to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Oregon.
National Guard Deployment Sparks Controversy
Trump’s order followed months of demonstrations outside an ICE facility in South Portland, where protesters have been gathering since June to oppose the administration’s immigration policies.
State and local leaders, including Gov. Tina Kotek and Portland city officials, have strongly opposed the deployment, arguing that the protests — while disruptive at times — do not justify military intervention. They have repeatedly urged the White House to stand down, warning that additional federal presence could escalate tensions rather than calm them.
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Ngo’s Allegations of Conspiracy
Ngo, who has been a vocal critic of Antifa for years and suffered a violent assault by demonstrators in 2019, claimed that protesters and sympathetic local officials are working together to evade detection and hinder law enforcement.
“There’s a lot of conspiring that’s happening,” Ngo said. “Some people are using encrypted communication apps, being encouraged to buy burner phones with cash, and discarding them after protests. That’s happening in order to destroy evidence.”
Ngo further alleged that certain members of Portland’s City Council are directly advising activists on these methods. “Some on local Portland City Council right now are instructing comrades to do that exact thing to evade detection,” he said. “This is happening out in the open.”
Lack of Local Accountability, Ngo Says
According to Ngo, Portland police have largely stood back during these demonstrations, leaving federal law enforcement to take the lead. He argued that local leaders have cultivated a culture of impunity, allowing repeat offenders to return to protests despite past arrests.
“There’s been 26 arrests so far that are federal cases, and these cases have not been dropped,” Ngo said. “Some of these individuals were also arrested at riots in 2020 or at other Antifa direct actions, yet they faced no accountability at the local level. Now that federal prosecutors are involved, those cases are moving forward.”
He expressed confidence that federal oversight will ensure greater accountability for protesters accused of criminal activity.
Broader Debate Over Federal Involvement
The federal deployment has become a flashpoint in Oregon politics. Trump has justified the move by citing what he called “lawless mayhem” in Portland, while critics argue the scale of the protests has been exaggerated. Portland police have reported relatively small gatherings outside the ICE facility, typically involving a few dozen protesters, though numbers surged after Trump announced the National Guard deployment.
Civil rights groups warn that increased federal presence could infringe on free speech and further polarize the city. Supporters of the move, however, argue it is necessary to restore order and protect federal property.
Ngo’s Role in Portland’s Political Divide
Ngo has become a polarizing figure in Portland. Supporters view him as a journalist who documents Antifa activity often ignored by mainstream outlets, while critics accuse him of exaggerating threats and fueling partisan narratives. His 2019 assault at the hands of demonstrators drew national attention and underscored Portland’s reputation as a battleground over protests, policing, and political extremism.
In his Newsmax interview, Ngo emphasized that the current wave of arrests shows a turning point. “For years, people believed there would never be accountability for those actions,” he said. “Now, with federal prosecutors pursuing these cases, there’s a chance to finally change that dynamic.”
What Comes Next
The Oregon National Guard has not yet fully mobilized. Officials say the 200 federally activated troops are undergoing training and could take days before appearing on Portland streets. A legal challenge to the president’s order is also underway, which could delay or even block the deployment.
In the meantime, city leaders continue to call for de-escalation, while the White House frames Portland as a symbol of broader unrest. With demonstrations ongoing and political tensions rising, the city remains at the center of a national debate over federal power, local control, and the limits of protest.
