U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of federal troops to Portland, Oregon, authorising the use of “full force” if necessary to quell what he described as a “war ravaged” city.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to send troops to protect Portland and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, which he claimed were under attack from “Antifa and other domestic terrorists.” He added, “I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary.”

The move marks an escalation in Trump’s domestic security strategy, expanding troop deployments to American cities amid his administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration.

Portland officials, including Democratic Mayor Keith Wilson, have rejected federal intervention, insisting that local authorities can manage unrest without military involvement. The city has seen repeated protests targeting ICE facilities, some turning violent and injuring federal agents.

It remains unclear whether Trump plans to deploy the National Guard or regular U.S. military forces. The Department of War has yet to comment on operational details.

Trump had hinted earlier this week at a “major operation” in Portland, calling demonstrators “professional agitators and anarchists.” Earlier in September, he described the city as being “like living in hell.”

The decision follows Trump’s executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organisation, a move condemned by Oregon Democrats who accuse federal agents of overreach and abuse.