Portland Police Union Considers Federal Assistance Amid Crime Surge

The head of the police union in Portland has expressed willingness to accept federal support to address what he describes as a “surge” in crime.

President Trump has signaled plans to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, claiming the city and ICE facilities are under threat from Antifa. He stated, “At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth to provide all military forces necessary to protect war-torn Portland and besieged ICE facilities from attack by Antifa and other domestic terrorists.” He emphasized that “full force is also permitted if necessary.”

Camilla Wamsley, the ICE Director in Portland, previously informed Fox News that their facilities have faced violence for over 100 nights straight, with Portland police reportedly instructed not to intervene.

She mentioned that nightly protests have led to bottle rocket attacks, barricades, and laser beams aimed at officers.

Sergeant Aaron Schmautz, who leads the Portland Police Association, noted he wishes to collaborate with federal authorities to identify effective strategies for tackling the city’s crime issues.

“Let’s outline what resources we can allocate to achieve that goal,” Schmautz shared. “If that’s insufficient, we need assistance. I don’t want to get into a firm yes or no here; I just want everyone to recognize the problem and work collectively to resolve it.”

During this challenging time, Schmautz emphasized that the Portland Police Bureau is “horribly understaffed,” especially since some city leaders have shown a lack of support for law enforcement.

He pointed out that there’s been a notable increase in serious crimes, stating, “The number of murders has surged five-fold from 2020 to 2023, though we’re starting to see a gradual decline.”

Schmautz expressed empathy for federal law enforcement personnel, considering the recent spate of violent incidents. He mentioned specific events like a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas and ongoing threats to federal employees.

“In today’s climate, where political views can clash, engaging in policy debates is one thing. But violence against individuals, regardless of differing opinions, is unacceptable,” he added.

Fox News Digital has reached out for comments from the Portland City Council and the Mayor’s Office.