The president of the Portland police union has expressed a willingness to accept federal assistance to tackle a notable rise in crime in the area.
President Trump has signaled his intention to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, citing threats to the city and to ICE facilities from Antifa activists.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump 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. Full force is also permitted if necessary.”
Camilla Wamsley, the Portland ICE Director, previously mentioned to Fox News that the agency’s facilities have faced violence for over 100 straight nights, with local police instructed not to intervene.
Wamsley noted that protests have seen bottle rockets aimed at facilities, barricades hindering traffic, and lasers directed at the eyes of police officers.
Sergeant Aaron Schmautz, president of the Portland Police Association, voiced his desire to collaborate with federal officials to find solutions to the city’s rising crime. “Let’s identify what resources we can bring to the table,” he told Fox News Digital. “If that’s insufficient, we’ll need help. I don’t want to get stuck in a rigid yes or no. What’s crucial is addressing the problem together as a unified government body.”
He pointed out the significant understaffing within the Portland Police Bureau while highlighting that some local leaders are not showing support for law enforcement. “There’s a lot of openly anti-police rhetoric during City Council meetings,” he added.
Schmautz explained that the city is still trying to manage a rapid increase in serious crimes. For instance, murders spiked fivefold from 2020 to 2023, although he mentioned a gradual decrease in numbers last month.
He expressed understanding for the fears federal law enforcement officials are experiencing in light of recent violence. “I have much sympathy for their concerns. Recently, there was a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas, and some federal employees have been struck by vehicles. In this politically charged atmosphere, engaging in policy discussions is one thing, but violence directed at individuals is unacceptable,” Schmautz remarked.
Fox News Digital has also reached out to both the Portland City Council and the Mayor’s Office for their perspective on the situation.
