Portland Protests Prompt Federal National Guard Deployment Amid Disputed Violence Claims

President Donald Trump has been vocally pushing for the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland amid protests at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, despite opposition from local officials and a federal judge who blocked his order. Trump claimed Portland was "burning to the ground," a statement strongly contested by local residents and authorities who described the protests as mostly peaceful with low activity prior to his comments. His administration accused protesters of assaulting federal officers and damaging property, but evidence presented by Portland and Oregon officials showed minimal disruptive behavior. Following these events, the Trump administration announced a full investigation into the Portland police's handling of the protests and sought body camera footage related to arrests made during demonstrations. Attempts to reinforce the city with National Guard units from Oregon were thwarted, prompting Trump to seek support from troops in California and Texas. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between federal and local authorities over law enforcement and protest management in Portland.