Portland Mayor Keith Wilson rejected President Donald Trump’s offer to deploy federal troops to the Oregon city, even as nightly protests outside a federal immigration facility continue to disrupt residents and businesses.
“Like other mayors across the country, I have not asked for – and do not need – federal intervention,” Wilson said in a statement after Trump suggested sending the National Guard to Portland last week, The Associated Press (AP) reported.
The mayor’s refusal comes despite ongoing demonstrations at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building that have resulted in at least 26 protesters facing federal charges since June, including assaulting federal officers, the outlet reported. The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science relocated over the summer, citing safety concerns from chemical agents and crowd-control projectiles. The school was adjacent to the ICE facility, the outlet reported. (RELATED: Three States To Send National Guard Troops To DC)
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump says he is considering deploying the National Guard to PORTLAND as Antifa clashes with ICE agents
“These are PAID TERRORlSTS! PAID AGITATORS!”
“If we go to Portland, we will WIPE THEM OUT. GONE!” pic.twitter.com/ECyBOnr1mN
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 5, 2025
Trump described living in Portland as “like living in hell” and has previously considered deploying federal forces to Chicago, Baltimore and Memphis. He previously sent the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Portland’s violent crime has decreased, with homicides dropping 51% in the first half of this year compared to 2024, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the AP reported. Still, nightly confrontations persist at the ICE facility, where protesters cross onto federal property and officers respond with what witnesses describe as pepper balls.
Residents of nearby apartments report ongoing disruptions. One tenant sued the city, claiming noise from bullhorns and “piercing whistle-type sounds” burst her eardrum, the AP reported. Rick Stype, a 10-year resident, said he escorts neighbors outside because they fear harassment from protesters.
“I just want them to leave us alone,” Stype said. “I want them to be gone.”
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