President Donald Trump characterized Portland as “war ravaged” and described Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities as being “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists” when he announced that he was .
His statements arise after protestors in Portland have congregated outside an ICE facility in Portland several times throughout the summer. Yet, while authorities have deployed tear gas and shut down the facility for several days in response to the demonstrations, the protests have largely remained peaceful.
Moreover, city data indicate that some of the most violent crimes, including homicides, have decreased notably so far this year compared to the corresponding period last year.
Overall, crime in Portland has fallen only slightly—by 1%—this year compared to last year, according to data released by the . However, certain violent crimes have seen significant reductions—homicides by 39%, human trafficking offenses by 26%, and vehicular manslaughters by 75%. Motor vehicle thefts have declined by 30%, vandalisms by 7%, and burglaries by 5%.
Conversely, some offenses have experienced an increase so far this year compared to the year prior: Kidnappings and abductions, for instance, have risen by roughly 50%. Arsons have climbed by 25%, and drug offenses have surged by 226%.
The President’s declaration, in which he stated he was “authorizing Full Force, if necessary,” prompted strong criticism from local officials, who contend that the action is both unlawful and unwarranted.
“Should President Trump visit Portland today, he would find people riding their bikes. Engaging in sports. Enjoying the sunshine. Purchasing produce at a farmers’ market,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson stated in a statement. “In Portland, we uphold a long and proud tradition of large-scale peaceful protests. We possess a long and proud record of being at the forefront of positive social change.”
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek shared photos of herself participating in a march within the city over the weekend and pushed back against Trump’s portrayal of Portland.
“Today, I was in downtown Portland walking peacefully with Oregonians to assert that we do not require military intervention here,” she affirmed in the post. “We are peaceful. We are united. We are Oregon.”
The state of Oregon and the city of Portland announced on Monday that they had filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, challenging the deployment of 200 members of the Oregon National Guard to the city for up to 60 days. Wilson, along with more than a dozen other Oregon mayors, endorsed a statement that was released on Monday, rejecting any efforts to federally militarize the area.
“The enforcement of civil immigration laws by militarized forces has no legitimate role in our community, no support from local elected leaders, and little public backing,” the letter said. “As regional leaders, we commit to pursuing all legal and legislative avenues to counter this unprecedented, unnecessary, and unwanted effort to utilize militarized forces in a manner that could violate the constitutional rights of our community.”
The President’s remarks about Portland align with similar comments he has made concerning several other cities—including ; ; ; ; and —claiming that they have a crime problem and would benefit from a federal crackdown. However, data show that, overall, violent crime has decreased in those cities, as it has in many others nationwide, after previously having surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles this summer in response to protests over ICE raids in the city. Local officials objected to the move, deeming it “unlawful.” While the President characterized the protests as “violent, instigated riots,” asserting there was much “Violence and Destruction,” the demonstrations were predominantly peaceful.
Last week, a gunman opened fire at an immigration detention facility, killing two immigration detainees. Trump was quick to direct blame toward “Radical Left Democrats” in the wake of the attack, though authorities have indicated the shooter “very likely acted alone” and that they found no evidence that he belonged to “any specific group or entity.”
