Portland, Oregon, has become a significant point of contention as President Trump moves forward with plans to deploy National Guard troops to manage escalating tensions surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in cities that lean Democratic. The city's ongoing protests, primarily concentrated around an ICE processing facility in the downtown South Waterfront area, have contributed to a growing sense of unease throughout the 135-square-mile city.
On a typical day in October, a notable increase in customers at Mother's Bistro and Bar, a popular establishment in downtown Portland, caught the attention of its owner, Lisa Schroeder. "We have our busy days, but seeing this kind of traffic is unusual for us," Schroeder remarked, shedding light on the struggles that local businesses have faced since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent social justice protests that have left the downtown area feeling deserted.
Schroeder elaborated on the drastic downturn in business, stating, "It's been a downward spiral since the pandemic. The foot traffic has diminished significantly, and it's been tough to keep our doors open." This sentiment reflects a broader trend impacting small businesses in the region, as the city grapples with its image and the realities of a post-pandemic economy.
In recent weeks, Portland has attracted national attention due to President Trump's decision to deploy federal troops to the city in response to the ongoing protests surrounding ICE operations. On September 28, Trump announced his intention to send federal troops to Portland, characterizing the city as "war-ravaged" in a statement shared on social media platforms. Following this announcement, the Trump administration confirmed the mobilization of 200 Oregon National Guard troops under federal command for a 60-day period.
During a speech delivered on September 30 at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia, Trump referred to Portland as a "war zone," intensifying the narrative surrounding the city's unrest. "Portland is burning to the ground," he asserted on October 5, further exacerbating the anxiety felt by residents and business owners alike.
Business owners like Schroeder have expressed deep concerns about the negative implications of the president's rhetoric on their livelihoods. "My business revenue is only half of what it used to be," she lamented, emphasizing that the portrayal of Portland as a chaotic and dangerous city does nothing but deter potential customers. "This narrative is not going to help our situation at all," she added. "We are just a small city trying to navigate through our challenges, and the last thing we need is for someone with such influence to further tarnish our reputation."
In a significant legal development on Saturday, a federal judge, appointed by Trump, issued a temporary restraining order in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Oregon. This order effectively blocked the federalization and deployment of Oregon National Guard troops. The following day, the same judge extended this ruling by preventing the deployment of out-of-state National Guard troops to Oregon, despite plans from the Pentagon to send an additional 200 California National Guard troops to Portland.
On Wednesday, an appeals court temporarily sided with the White House, allowing the 200 Oregon National Guard troops to remain under federal control. However, the court clarified that the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland is still prohibited as the legal proceedings continue. This ongoing legal back-and-forth adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation in the city.
The anxiety permeating through Portland is palpable, not just among business owners but also among residents and visitors. Many diners at local establishments, like those at Mother's Bistro and Bar, expressed their disbelief at the characterization of Portland as a "war zone." One diner commented, "This is not representative of who we are as Portlanders. The vast majority of us are peaceful, and this narrative is misleading."
Schroeder articulated a broader concern regarding the city's image, stating, "Portland has an image problem. It's as if Goliath is coming after David. We're just a small city trying to address our issues, and we don't need the big players coming in to escalate things further." Her comments resonate with the feelings of many Portlanders who believe that the national portrayal of their city is not only exaggerated but also damaging to the local economy and community spirit.
Despite the ongoing protests and national scrutiny, data from the Portland Police Bureau reveals that overall crime rates have actually decreased by 19% in 2024 compared to 2022. This statistic challenges the narrative of a city in disarray, as local law enforcement continues to work toward maintaining public safety. However, business owners like Schroeder argue that the perception of violence and unrest, fueled by national media coverage and political rhetoric, continues to overshadow these positive developments.
Schroeder expressed her frustration, stating, "This narrative doesn't help our situation at all. Instead of investing in troops and military presence, we should be focusing on solutions that actually address the underlying issues." Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among Portland residents who are calling for more constructive dialogues and community-oriented approaches to the challenges facing their city.
The situation in Portland, Oregon, remains fluid as the deployment of National Guard troops and the president's rhetoric continues to influence public perception and local dynamics. As the city grapples with its identity amid protests and political intervention, residents and business owners alike are advocating for a more nuanced understanding of their community. While crime statistics indicate a downward trend in violence, the perceived threat of federal intervention looms large, complicating efforts to rebuild trust and restore a sense of normalcy in a city that is eager to move forward.