President of the United States expands the use of the Armed Forces in the national territory and promises ‘total strength’ in the face of criticism of local leaders
The president of the United States, authorized on Saturday (27) the sending of troops to, in the northwest of the country. The measure is part of the controversial use of the Armed Forces in the national territory to reinforce their offensive against illegal immigration. By early September, Trump had already threatened to send the National Guard to the city, the largest in the state of Oregon. The Republican has already mobilized military personnel in and in previous situations.
In a message published on the Truth Social Network, Trump stated: “At the request of the Secretary of Internal Security, Kristi Noem, Instruct the Secretary of War, to make all the troops needed to protect Portland, devastated by war, and the ICE facilities [Serviço de Imigração e Controle de Alfândega] attacked by and other national terrorists. ”
The president added that he authorized the use of “total force” without detailing what that would mean. Neither Mayor Keith Wilson nor Governor Tina Kotek, both of the Democratic Party, commented on the decision on Saturday. One day before, however, Wilson had criticized the presence of federal agents in immigration offices in the city: “We do not ask them to come. They are here unprecedented or reason,” he said, classifying the sending of military as “spectacle” and “distraction”.
Since the return to the White House in January, Trump has placed the fight against illegal immigration as a priority, describing the situation as a “invasion” of “foreign criminals.” ICE is one of the main instruments of this policy.
Sprout
Portland is considered a “city-city”, a term used for locations that do not collaborate with federal immigration authorities. This type of posture has generated friction between local democratic governments and the White House. In recent months, the Justice Department has filed lawsuits against the states of Illinois, and Colorado, as well as the cities of and Chicago.
There were also episodes of violence. Last week, a man attacked an in Dallas installation, leaving a dead detainee and two injured. It was the third attack in less than three months in Texas, a state that borders Mexico. Portland, in particular, has been a frequent stage of demonstrations against the repression of illegal immigration. During Trump’s first term (2017–2021), the city concentrated intense protests, especially after the murder of in 2020.
Political conflict
On Monday (22), Trump signed a decree classifying the antifa movement-formed by anti-fascist groups-such as terrorist organization. The measure was adopted days after the murder of the ultra -conservative activist on September 10. Although the motivation of the crime has not yet been clarified, Trump’s allies blamed the left for what they call “internal terrorism.”
Critics warn that the decision may open a breach to criminalize protests and repress opponents in the name of national security. “We are witnessing a national terrorist insurrection against the federal government,” wrote Trump’s advisor Stephen Miller on network X, promising to “use all the necessary resources.”
Military climbing
Trump’s new decision reinforces a militarization strategy of American cities. Two weeks ago, he authorized the sending of the National Guard to Memphis (Tennessee), claiming increased crime. In June, troops were mobilized in Los Angeles, and in August in Washington. Trump has also threatened to send federal military to Chicago, New York and Baltimore.
*With information from AFP
Posted by Felipe Cerqueira
