In Portland, Oregon, the atmosphere is thick with anxiety as the city becomes a central stage in President Donald Trump's controversial decision to deploy the National Guard in response to ongoing protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This deployment aims to address the tensions surrounding ICE activities in predominantly Democratic urban areas, and its implications are felt deeply throughout the city.
Protests have been consistently occurring outside an ICE processing facility located in Portland’s South Waterfront neighborhood. While these demonstrations have largely remained confined to a single block, the broader perception of Portland as an unsafe city continues to reverberate across its 135-square-mile area. This perception is having significant economic and social consequences, leading to a sense of unease among residents and business owners alike.
On a recent day in October, Lisa Schroeder, the owner of Mother’s Bistro and Bar, noted an unexpected uptick in customers at her establishment. However, she emphasized that such occurrences have become increasingly rare since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent social justice protests, which have dramatically altered the downtown landscape.
“We have days where we see a spike in customers, but it’s certainly not like the bustling environment we used to enjoy,” Schroeder remarked in an interview with CBS News. The pandemic, coupled with heightened tensions from social justice protests, has decimated the foot traffic that once thrived in downtown Portland, turning vibrant streets into quiet thoroughfares.
Portland has emerged as a key battleground in President Trump’s strategy to deploy federal forces in response to civil unrest. On September 28, Trump announced his decision to send federal troops to the city, characterizing it in stark terms as “war-ravaged” in a social media post. This declaration marked a significant escalation in the federal government’s approach to managing protests that erupted following the death of George Floyd and have continued to focus on issues of racial injustice and police brutality.
The Trump administration confirmed the deployment of 200 Oregon National Guard troops under federal control for an initial period of 60 days. During a speech on September 30 at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia, Trump reiterated his portrayal of Portland as a “war zone,” further intensifying the narrative surrounding the city’s unrest.
Schroeder expressed her frustration with the negative portrayal of Portland, arguing that the emphasis on the city’s unrest is detrimental to local businesses struggling to recover. “My business has dropped to half of what it was,” she lamented. “It’s disheartening to think that the world views our city through such a distorted lens. This kind of rhetoric certainly doesn’t help our situation.”
On October 5, Trump made another public statement, claiming that “Portland is burning to the ground,” a comment that only amplified existing fears and misconceptions about the city’s safety and stability. These remarks have had a tangible impact, with many business owners reporting a decline in customer confidence and foot traffic.
In response to the escalating tensions and the federal government’s plans, the state of Oregon initiated a lawsuit aimed at blocking the deployment of National Guard troops. On Saturday, a federal judge, appointed by Trump, issued a temporary restraining order that halted the federalization of Oregon National Guard troops. The following day, the same judge further prohibited the deployment of troops from other states to Portland, even as the Pentagon prepared to send an additional 200 National Guard troops from California.
On Wednesday, a federal appeals court granted a request from the White House allowing the 200 Oregon National Guard troops to remain under federal control. However, the appellate court made it clear that the troops were still barred from being deployed to Portland while legal proceedings continued. This ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities and tensions surrounding federal intervention in local matters, reflecting broader national conversations about civil rights and state sovereignty.
Local business owners have rallied around the state’s lawsuit, submitting declarations that underscore the damaging effects of the president’s rhetoric on Portland’s image. Many residents feel a disconnect between the narrative being presented and the reality of their city. One diner at Mother’s Bistro and Bar expressed disbelief at the characterization of Portland as a “warzone,” stating, “That’s not who we are as Portlanders. That’s not reflective of the 99.9% of the individuals who live here.”
Schroeder articulated her concern that Portland has developed an “image problem,” likening the city’s struggle to that of David facing Goliath. “We are a small city just trying to navigate our challenges,” she said. “The arrival of federal troops is not what we need right now. We are in a state of recovery, and we don’t require someone to come in and exacerbate our problems.”
Statistics from the Portland Police Bureau reveal a complex picture of safety in the city. Total crime rates have reportedly decreased by 19% in 2024 compared to the previous year, contradicting the narrative of a city spiraling into chaos. Yet, in the face of escalating national scrutiny and the pervasive influence of media narratives, many residents and business owners remain concerned about the lingering effects of this portrayal on the city’s economy and social fabric.
“This narrative does nothing to help our situation,” Schroeder concluded. “To think that our government is investing resources in sending troops here instead of addressing the fundamental issues is nothing short of a tragedy. It’s heartbreaking, and frankly, I’m in tears over it.”
The situation in Portland serves as a microcosm of the broader national dialogue surrounding the role of federal authority in local governance, civil rights, and the impact of rhetoric on community well-being. As the city grapples with its identity amid ongoing protests and federal interventions, the voices of its residents and business owners will be critical in shaping the narrative and guiding the path toward recovery and resilience.