Trump Defies Court Ruling, Deploys Troops to Portland Amid Antifa "Siege" Fears

Ignoring Court Ruling, Trump Sends Troops to Portland Amid Imagined Antifa "Siege" In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, President Donald Trump deployed troops to Portland, Oregon, over the weekend, despite a federal court ruling last month deeming his similar deployment in California as illegal. The decision was made without the consent of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and comes amid ongoing protests outside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities. According to a statement from the Department of War, Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the deployment of 200 members of the Oregon National Guard to "protect war-ravaged Portland" and ICE facilities under siege by Antifa and other domestic terrorists. However, a defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity called Trump's claims "nonsense." In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: "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, and other domestic terrorists." The statement sparked outrage among civil rights groups and lawmakers who have long criticized the president's handling of protests. The deployment comes just weeks after a federal judge ruled that Trump's similar deployment in California was unconstitutional. In that case, Hegseth had issued a memorandum calling into federal service 200 members of the California National Guard without the consent of Governor Gavin Newsom. "This is a blatant disregard for the rule of law and a clear overreach of executive power," said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. "The president's actions are not only unconstitutional but also undermine the authority of state governors to maintain public order." The protests in Portland, which began last month outside an ICE facility, have been largely peaceful and focused on issues such as immigration reform and police accountability. However, Trump has repeatedly characterized the demonstrations as a "siege" by Antifa, a far-left extremist group that he claims is responsible for violence and property damage. In reality, experts say, the protests are part of a broader movement against systemic racism and police brutality that has swept the country in recent months. "The president's narrative about Antifa is completely at odds with the facts," said Mark Potok, senior fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center. "These protests are not about violence or extremism but about demanding justice and equality for marginalized communities." As tensions escalate, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed concerns about the deployment of troops to Portland. The situation is being closely watched by international observers who see it as a test of democratic institutions in the United States. The Department of War has refused to comment on how they interpret Trump's order to deploy "full force" if necessary, leaving many wondering what this means for the city and its residents. Background: Protests have been ongoing outside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities across the country, including in Portland, Oregon. The demonstrations are part of a broader movement against systemic racism and police brutality that has swept the country in recent months. International Perspective: The deployment of troops to Portland has sparked concern among international observers who see it as a test of democratic institutions in the United States. "This is a worrying development for anyone who cares about democracy and human rights," said Amal Clooney, a human rights lawyer and former U.N. Special Envoy. "The use of military force against peaceful protesters is a clear violation of international law." Current Status: The situation remains tense in Portland as troops continue to arrive on the ground. Governor Tina Kotek has expressed her opposition to the deployment and called for calm. The city's residents are bracing themselves for what could be a long and difficult standoff. Next Developments: As the situation continues to unfold, lawmakers and civil rights groups are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the Trump administration. The courts may also play a role in determining the constitutionality of the deployment. *Reporting by Theintercept.*