Trump Weighs Invoking Insurrection Act to Deploy Troops in Portland Amid Protests

President Donald Trump is considering invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy federal troops to Portland, Oregon, amid ongoing protests and clashes related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Trump described Portland as "on fire" and characterized the unrest as "criminal insurrection," stating he would use the Act if necessary to ensure safety and prevent deaths, especially if local officials or courts obstruct federal efforts. However, federal judges have blocked the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, citing violations of federal law and states' rights, leading the Trump administration to appeal these rulings. The Insurrection Act, last used in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots, allows the president to federalize the National Guard and deploy military forces to quell insurrections or unrest. Trump's efforts to send troops to other cities like Chicago have also faced legal challenges, with some governors condemning the deployments as unconstitutional. The administration frames some judicial rulings as a "legal insurrection" against federal authority, highlighting ongoing tensions over federal versus state control of law enforcement in response to civil unrest.