Unite Oregon Statement on President Trump’s Deployment of Federal Troops
As you may have seen in the news, the City of Portland has confirmed that the federal administration has sent additional federal agents to the city. The White House stated that the purpose of the deployment of the federal resources was to “Crush Violent Radical Left Terrorism in Portland.” Across social media and simply walking the streets of Portland, it is plain to see that there is no violence or terrorism happening in our city. Trump has admitted that his decision is based on footage he’s seen on television, not the objective facts. We are deeply concerned that these agents could be used to continue attacks on protesters in Portland and Eugene or to support immigration enforcement across the state.
According to OPB, Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, director of public affairs for the Oregon Military Department, said Thursday is the absolute earliest the guard could arrive in Portland, but he wouldn’t bet on that.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced Sunday that the state, along with the City of Portland, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the legality of deploying 200 Oregon National Guard members for federal law enforcement duties.
At Unite Oregon, our priority remains the safety and dignity of our communities. We know that Oregon is home, not a military target. This federal deployment represents an abuse of power. It endangers families, undermines our rights to govern ourselves, and drains resources that should instead support community needs.
While we are calling for federal troops to stay out of the state of Oregon, we are also calling for an end to the mass deportations and the abolition of all state-sanctioned violence, including ICE. We stand with community members exercising their First Amendment right to protest, and believe it is deeply patriotic to dissent when the state is not representing the interests of the people. While safety threats vary in severity for different communities, we encourage those who can to refrain from pre-compliance and being silent. Now more than ever, we must stand on the right side of history and defend immigrant communities.
We stand with immigrant, migrant, and refugee communities that call Oregon home, and denounce President Trump’s actions of sending federal troops to the city of Portland. This military takeover is unlawful, reckless, and an abuse of power that harms and stokes legitimate fear within our communities. We stand with protesters who are calling to abolish ICE and end mass deportations that are inhumane and deeply fascist in nature.
We are monitoring the situation closely with partners like Oregon for All, Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC), and others across the state. We are also in regular contact with city, county, and state officials to gather accurate information and will share updates as we learn more.
Here’s how you can help:
Share accurate information. Please refrain from circulating unverified social media posts that could spread misinformation and fear.
Monitor ICE activity. If you or community members see suspected immigration enforcement activity, please encourage them to report it to the PIRC hotline at 1-888-622-1510.
Use Signal for organizing. Be mindful of what you post on publicly-visible spaces, like social media sites, and instead use the Signal app to collaborate and help check-in with your communities.
Become a Unite member. Stay plugged in as we organize and advocate together for immigrant, migrant, and refugee communities in Oregon.
Ground our messaging. Use values-based framing: No troops on our streets. Violence has no place in our politics or communities. Oregon is home, not a military target.
