The head of Portland’s police union says he is open to federal help in combating what he called a “burst” in crime, as local leaders continue to clash over how to handle public safety amid heightened political tensions.
Union Leader Calls for Collaboration
Sgt. Aaron Schmautz, president of the Portland Police Association, told Fox News Digital that the city’s police force remains severely understaffed and could benefit from federal coordination to address the city’s rising crime rates.
“Let’s present what resources we have to bring to bear to accomplish that task,” Schmautz said. “And if it’s not sufficient, then we need help. I don’t want to be drawn into a hard yes or no. What I want is for us all to identify the problem and work together as a whole of government to solve it.”
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Schmautz noted that Portland’s homicide rate has multiplied fivefold since 2020, only recently beginning to decline. “We’re still working our way out of a significant burst in our crime profile,” he said, adding that the city recorded nine homicides last month alone.
Federal Involvement Sparks Controversy
His comments come as President Donald Trump has once again signaled his intent to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, citing the need to protect federal property and ICE facilities.
“At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide all necessary troops to protect war-ravaged Portland and any of our ICE facilities under siege from attack by Antifa,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that he was “authorizing full force, if necessary.”
The potential deployment follows months of tension between federal officials and Oregon leaders, including Governor Tina Kotek, who have opposed military involvement in local law enforcement.
ICE Officials Report Escalating Violence
Camilla Wamsley, director of Portland’s ICE office, told Fox News that her facility has faced violent demonstrations for more than 100 consecutive nights, claiming local police have been directed not to assist.
She described incidents involving bottle rockets, lasers aimed at officers, and barricades blocking entrances. “We’ve received little help from local police,” Wamsley said, noting that officers have had to rely on federal protection.
Federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and local law enforcement have been stationed outside the ICE facility in recent days to manage demonstrations, which have intensified following Trump’s announcement.
Tensions Over Anti-Police Sentiment
Schmautz said that while he understands skepticism toward federal involvement, Portland officers are struggling under difficult conditions and lack political support.
“There’s a lot of open, very anti-police rhetoric in our city council meetings,” he said. “Our officers are overworked and exhausted, and the community is paying the price.”
The union leader also expressed concern for the safety of federal officers, citing multiple attacks nationwide. “There was a shooting in Dallas at an ICE facility. Federal officers have been hit by cars,” he said. “No one should be OK with violence directed at anyone — regardless of politics.”
Balancing Local Autonomy and Safety
While Governor Kotek and city leaders continue to oppose Trump’s call for federal troop deployment, Schmautz’s remarks highlight a growing divide within Portland over how best to restore safety.
For now, local police remain focused on containing protests and rebuilding public trust, while the debate over federal intervention — and the balance between autonomy and security — continues to intensify in Oregon’s largest city.
