Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of troops to Portland, Oregon, authorising use of full force if needed, to suppress protests targeting immigration detention centres.
The US president claimed the move would help protect any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists, characterising the city as War ravaged in a Truth Social post.
The announcement marks a further expansion of troop deployments in US cities, amid a wider crackdown by the Trump administration on illegal immigration.
The latest move has drawn pushback from Democratic lawmakers, who said there was no need for federal troops to be deployed to Portland.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek remarked, There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm, reiterating her stance against the deployment of military personnel.
Kotek voiced her concerns at a news conference stating, any deployment would be an abuse of power, and indicated that she was in discussions with Oregon's Attorney General to determine the appropriate response.
Adding to the controversy, Trump's announcement has been met with mixed reactions from Republican officials, some expressing support, arguing that lawlessness in Portland necessitates federal intervention.
As protests against immigration policies have escalated since early June, disturbances at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility have led to violent confrontations, prompting federal actions. The ICE facility has faced accusations of targeting peaceful demonstrators, raising concerns about the use of federal power in local affairs.
While Trump's order does not clarify whether he intends to activate the National Guard or military forces, Pentagon representatives affirmed readiness to mobilize personnel at the president's request. As this situation unfolds, many are closely monitoring the legal implications surrounding Trump’s deployment strategy.
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