In the ongoing saga of President Donald Trump’s targeting of Democratic cities, Portland, Oregon, has recently come under fire—figuratively and, alarmingly, literally. Following a pattern established in cities like Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Memphis, Trump has now turned his sights on Portland, labeling it as a “war-ravaged” area in desperate need of federal military intervention.
Last week, Trump took to Truth Social, announcing that he would authorize Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to dispatch troops to “protect War ravaged Portland” from what he claims is a “siege” led by “Antifa.” Central to this assertion is the ongoing presence of protesters at the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, where demonstrations have been frequent throughout the summer.
In a bid to uncover the truth behind these claims, I visited the ICE facility and engaged with protesters and locals across Portland. What I found starkly contrasts with the narrative being spun by the Trump administration.
Oregon state representative Willy Chotzen, who was present at a demonstration featuring Governor Tina Kotek, expressed a sentiment that resonates deeply with the community: “What you hear is music and you see bubbles. This is the true Portland, and this is the Portland that shows up for each other.”
While there have been isolated incidents of damage to property and some clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators, the overwhelming majority of protests have remained peaceful. Video footage captures protesters dancing joyfully to the “Cha Cha Slide” and donning whimsical costumes—an unmistakably Portland scene. Even local police, in a court statement, have acknowledged that federal agents have been “instigating” confrontations, contributing to the tensions rather than alleviating them.
Despite the White House framing these weeks-long demonstrations as “violent riots,” Oregon and the City of Portland have responded with legal action, jointly suing the Trump administration. Their argument is clear: the president cannot federalize Oregon’s National Guard to protect federal property without meeting stringent legal criteria, such as a rebellion or a foreign invasion.
“This is an illegal escalation of force against the city of Portland,” Portland city councilmember Mitch Green stated. “This is an attempt to normalize the rising fascism that’s going on.”
The claim of a city in chaos is not just a misrepresentation; it’s a dangerous narrative that can lead to real consequences. The portrayal of Portland as a war zone serves to justify a militarized response that risks escalating tensions and undermining the rights of citizens to peacefully assemble and express dissent.
As Portland grapples with the complexities of its protests, it’s crucial to remember the importance of community, solidarity, and the right to protest. The reality on the ground tells a story of resilience and hope, a stark contrast to the chaotic image painted by political rhetoric.
In an era where misinformation can lead to significant repercussions, the narrative of Portland as a war zone must be challenged. The city is not a battlefield; it is a community standing up for its values and fighting against oppression. What we see in Portland today is a testament to the power of collective action, an embodiment of the spirit of activism that defines this historic city.
