PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday morning that he approved the deployment of additional federal agents to Portland, saying they were sent to “protect war ravaged Portland.” His comments, posted on Truth Social, came just hours after city leaders reported an unexpected influx of federal officers around an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland.
The announcement has reignited tensions between the White House and Oregon officials, drawing sharp criticism from city and state leaders who say federal agents are not wanted and could escalate unrest.
Mayor Wilson: “We Did Not Ask for Them”
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson addressed the situation late Friday night at Westminster Presbyterian Church, joined by city, county, and faith leaders.
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“I want to be clear about the situation we face. We now have a sudden influx of federal agents in our city,” Wilson said. “We did not ask for them to come. They are here without precedent or purpose.”
The mayor dismissed the deployment as a “big show,” saying such spectacles often end quietly. “And after a big show, we know what happens — everyone goes home,” he remarked.
Wilson emphasized that Portland is experiencing a period of growth and renewal, not chaos. “We are in the midst of a renaissance, not destruction,” he said.
Local Leaders Condemn Deployment
One after another, city officials and community leaders took the microphone to denounce the federal government’s actions.
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley accused Trump of intentionally provoking unrest. “The president has sent agents here to create chaos and riots in Portland to induce a reaction,” Merkley said. “His goal is to make Portland look like what he’s been describing it as.”
Portland City Councilor Eric Zimmerman echoed those concerns but urged calm: “To speak the language of federal agents, let me say this: situation normal in Portland. We do not need assistance. We are OK.”
Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney called for a redirection of federal resources. “Portland needs support to build housing, complete infrastructure projects, and ensure all residents can access health care. That’s the help our community actually needs.”
Faith leaders also spoke out. Rev. Mark Knutson of Augustana Lutheran Church urged unity. “This is us. These are our siblings,” he said. “To the president of the United States, please back off.”
Federal Justification
While local leaders condemned the surge, Attorney General Pam Bondi defended it in a statement on X. She cited a pattern of attacks against ICE officers nationwide and vowed that the Department of Justice would not “stand idly by.”
Bondi said she had directed Joint Terrorism Task Forces to disrupt “all entities and individuals engaged in acts of domestic terrorism,” including attacks on federal facilities. She also authorized agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals to intensify efforts in coordination with Homeland Security.
“While these never-ending attacks are designed to break our will, they only strengthen our resolve,” Bondi wrote.
Protests Remain Peaceful
Despite federal claims of threats, protesters gathered outside Portland’s ICE facility Friday night in small numbers. The demonstration remained peaceful, contradicting Trump’s recent rhetoric portraying Portland as violent and unstable.
Trump has repeatedly disparaged the city in recent weeks, claiming “crazy people” were trying to burn down federal buildings. He has also described protesters as “professional agitators and anarchists” and suggested he might send the National Guard.
“When we go there, if we go to Portland, we’re going to wipe them out. They’re going to be gone fast,” Trump said earlier this month.
Memories of 2020
The renewed presence of federal agents has drawn comparisons to the summer of 2020, when protests erupted nationwide following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
Portland saw more than 100 consecutive nights of demonstrations, many of which ended in clashes between protesters, local police, and federal agents. Images of unidentified federal officers detaining protesters in unmarked vans became emblematic of tensions between Portland and the Trump administration.
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, referencing that history, warned Oregonians not to fall into “Trump’s attempt to incite violence.” In a post on X, Wyden said credible reports suggest federal forces are “replaying the 2020 playbook” with the aim of provoking conflict.
Community Pushback
Friday night’s news conference ended abruptly when angry protesters interrupted officials, demanding stronger action against the Trump administration.
“We’ve been begging for your help,” shouted a woman who identified herself as Dena. “I am sick and tired of watching the people in my community getting brutalized because they are immigrants or because they dare to speak up.”
The woman accused local leaders of offering “lip service” instead of tangible action. U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter and Council President Pirtle-Guiney attempted to calm her, but the interruption underscored community frustrations.
Broader Political Opposition
Oregon’s Democratic congressional delegation has consistently opposed Trump’s handling of Portland. Earlier Friday, Sens. Wyden and Merkley joined Reps. Dexter, Andrea Salinas, and Suzanne Bonamici in condemning ICE’s treatment of immigrants, arguing the agency is violating due process rights.
Those sentiments were reiterated by speakers at Friday’s event, which included city officials, faith leaders, and community advocates. Representatives from ACLU Oregon and the Portland Metro Chamber stood alongside politicians, presenting a united front.
What Comes Next
The exact size and scope of the federal deployment remain unclear. Mayor Wilson said armored vehicles and agents had already been reported in parts of the city, though officials have not disclosed details about which federal agencies are involved.
Local leaders are preparing for the possibility of prolonged federal presence. Wilson and others are urging Portlanders not to respond with violence, framing unity and calm as the city’s best defense.
Meanwhile, Oregon’s congressional delegation is monitoring developments closely. “Just as I did in 2020, I will lead our delegation and state officials to oppose any unjustified increase in federal forces,” Wyden pledged.
A City in the Spotlight
For now, Portland once again finds itself at the center of a national political struggle. Local leaders insist the city is safe and thriving, pointing to signs of economic and cultural renewal. But the arrival of federal agents raises fears of renewed conflict — and memories of turbulent summers past.
As Rev. Knutson reminded residents, the path forward may hinge on unity and restraint. “There is no place for islands in response to what is taking place from the federal government. Let us stand together.”
