In the aftermath of the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, there has been significant opposition from various quarters. Trump took to social media to communicate that he had instructed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to dispatch troops to safeguard Portland, which he described as “war ravaged,” and to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities allegedly under threat from groups like Antifa and other domestic terrorists.
Since June, protests have been ongoing outside an ICE facility in southern Portland, protesting against immigrant arrests in nationwide raids. While the demonstrations in Portland have largely been peaceful, a few dozen arrests have been made. In response, the State of Oregon and the City of Portland have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the deployment of Oregon National Guard troops, with a hearing set for Friday to address a temporary restraining order against the deployment.
The mayor of Portland, along with 17 neighboring communities, has come together to denounce the president’s decision. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson emphasized that the city does not require any troop presence. The Portland Metro Chamber, representing local businesses, has issued an open letter signed by numerous stakeholders, opposing the Trump administration’s directive.
Andrew Hoan, the president and CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber, expressed concerns about the economic repercussions of a troop deployment, citing a 30% decline in business activity in Washington D.C. during a National Guard deployment. He stressed that such a downturn would have real consequences on jobs and livelihoods.
Hoan highlighted the potential negative impact on the city’s economy due to the language used by the president, affecting investments and business development. He underscored the importance of dispelling misconceptions about the situation in Portland to counter the notion of it being a “war zone.”
Local residents in Portland hold varying opinions on the impending National Guard deployment. While some, like Jonathan Berger, find it disturbing and believe it is unnecessary, others, such as Marilyn Clint, acknowledge the Guard’s role but question the need for their presence. Gloria Warner, residing near the ICE facility, welcomes the military presence and hopes for increased security measures during protests.
Portland has a history of activism, with recent protests spurred by events like the death of George Floyd. Political science professor Chris Shortell noted the city’s liberal leanings and tradition of demonstrations. He anticipates heightened levels of protest following the deployment of National Guard troops, depending on their deployment strategies.
In summary, the decision to deploy National Guard troops in Portland has sparked a mix of reactions among residents and officials, with concerns ranging from economic impacts to civil liberties and public safety. The city’s response to the troop deployment will be closely monitored in the coming days.