Oregon Mayors Unite to Oppose Federal Troop Deployment Protecting ICE in Portland

In response to the Trump administration's decision to send federal troops to Portland to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities amid ongoing protests, a coalition of Oregon mayors, led by Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, has vocally opposed the deployment. They issued a joint letter emphasizing the protection of civil rights, public safety, and community trust, asserting that militarized federal enforcement undermines local authority and escalates tensions, especially among marginalized groups. The mayors pledged to use legal and legislative means to prevent what they call federal overreach, including withholding local law enforcement support and offering legal aid to protesters. Critics argue that these mayors are effectively siding with Antifa rioters against federal efforts to maintain order and protect federal property. The mayors defend their stance as upholding constitutional rights and community self-rule, while federal authorities have begun arresting individuals amid the unrest. This conflict highlights deep divisions between local leadership and the federal government over how to address persistent violence and protests in Portland.