Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders 

On September 27, the 112th day of consecutive peaceful protests outside of Portland’s ICE facility, Trump ordered the deployment of “troops” to the city and authorized them to use “full force” against citizens to quell the around-the-clock demonstrations. But the City of Portland and Oregon are seeking to temporarily block this deployment of about 200 National Guard members, which will either be approved or rejected on Friday, October 3.

“We are facing an illegal and unprecedented assault on our civil rights by the Trump Administration,” Portland City Councilmember and veteran Mitch Green said in a video statement while wearing his Army fatigues. 

Trump made his announcement on Truth Social, which is more frequently being referred to as “Temu Twitter,” and falsely claimed the city is “war-ravaged.” 

“I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists,” Trump wrote. 

The day prior to Trump’s announcement, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers ramped up their show of force outside the facility, which has already led to the closure of a grade school due to safety concerns, like chemical agents. The Pentagon is preparing to send servicemembers in for 60 days. 

“I’m asking you to remember your oath of service, to engage in that sense of duty cultivated while in service, and use your voice to speak out in opposition of the Trump administration and its unlawful designs for Portland,” Green said. “Show up in your uniform. Protest this administration, and talk to your fellow vets, neighbors, and families about how deeply wrong this is.” 

Green added how troops have both a right and a duty to disobey unlawful orders, and that they will likely have to make that choice within the coming days. He encouraged active duty members to engage with About Face if they refuse to comply with Trump’s commands. 

Trump showed his enthusiasm and commitment to using force against US citizens during a speech to the highest-ranking military commanders on September 30 in Quantico, Virginia. 

“We should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military,” Trump said. “We’re under invasion from within. No different than a foreign enemy, but more difficult in many ways because they don’t wear uniforms.” 

When it comes to cities, Portland is as whacky as it gets. The small group of Portlanders protesting ICE fired up grills and have thrown cookouts, dressed up in duck and axolotl blow-up costumes, and even set up a bubble machine. Seattle residents seeking to show support by attending ICE protests down in Portland must be aware of a few things: 

• Never leave water and drinks unattended
• Only eat prepackaged food or food straight from the grill
• Bring a face mask and respirator, as gassing is a regular occurrence
• Protect your identity however you best feel fit