President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of US troops to Portland, Oregon, authorising “full force” if needed to suppress protests targeting immigration detention centres. The move drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who said there was no need for federal troops in the city.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland has been targeted by protesters since early June, leading to violent clashes and arrests. Trump’s post did not specify whether he intends to activate national guard or regular US military personnel.
Critics argue that ICE agents are targeting innocent people, with 65% of those detained having no criminal convictions. Lawmakers have also pointed out that the move may violate constitutional protections under the First Amendment.
Despite the backlash, some Republican officials have expressed support for Trump’s decision, citing concerns over “lawlessness” in Portland. The deployment marks the latest expansion of federal troop deployments in American cities amid a crackdown on illegal immigration.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cddmn6ge6e2o