In a statement addressing the protests that occurred over the weekend, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson affirmed that the city’s police would uphold the law while ensuring they are not used as agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Wilson emphasized that Portland has not solicited or necessitated intervention from the National Guard, outlining his commitment to contest any unwarranted federal interference through legal channels.
He praised the large turnout of peaceful demonstrators, who rallied against what they perceive as federal overreach, coinciding with a nationwide ‘No Kings’ protest aligned with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
However, tensions escalated later in the evening when a peaceful gathering near the ICE facility transformed into a situation that Portland police classified as a riot. During this unrest, some protestors reportedly hurled projectiles at federal officers.
In response, federal officers used smoke, tear gas, and flash grenades to disperse the crowd. The Portland Police Bureau announced that three individuals were arrested, with two facing charges related to assaulting an officer.
Wilson’s comments included a warning against any potential federal military intervention similar to that which occurred in Los Angeles. He described such actions as unprecedented and unconstitutional, asserting that if federal abuse occurred, the city would shine a light on it and pursue justice in federal courts.
His Deputy Chief of Staff, Taylor Zajonc, noted that Wilson’s statement was a direct response to perceived threats from the Trump administration regarding the potential deployment of the National Guard to other cities where protests are taking place.
Border czar Tom Homan had mentioned to the Washington Post that the president was considering deploying the National Guard on a case-by-case basis to address protests deemed out of control.
On Sunday, a spokesperson for Oregon Governor Tina Kotek communicated that her office had not received any threats of federal intervention involving the Oregon National Guard as a consequence of the previous day’s protests.
Governor Kotek expressed her disapproval of President Trump’s military intervention in California, describing it as alarming and a violation of American citizens’ ability to self-govern.
Kotek reaffirmed that she would not deploy the Oregon National Guard regarding the weekend protests and indicated that the president did not possess the authority to override her command.
“The president’s unlawful actions undermine our local authorities,” Kotek stated. “Local officials should be able to execute their duties without the increased tension of federal intervention.”
Despite the city’s efforts to maintain order, federal attention towards Portland seems to be escalating. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security notably highlighted Portland on social media over the weekend.
On Saturday evening, the department shared a tweet that included a picture showing flyers allegedly listing the personal information of local ICE agents, which some social media users had pointed out.
In response to the protests, Homeland Security officials condemned what they called the violent targeting of their law enforcement personnel, asserting that the leaders of Portland must denounce such actions.
A subsequent post on Sunday morning accused protestors of injuring four federal officers during the demonstrations by launching fireworks and throwing rocks and smoke grenades.
The department concluded with a stern warning, asserting that any assault on law enforcement would result in prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Though Wilson’s statement indicated that at least three federal officers sustained injuries during the protests, he noted that none of those injuries required medical treatment.
Sami Edge, a reporter covering higher education and politics for The Oregonian, has provided coverage of this developing situation.
image source from：https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/06/portland-does-not-require-national-guard-intervention-following-protests-mayor-says.html
