Recently, a social media post claiming that the Oregon National Guard was deployed to rake and bag leaves at Waterfront Park went viral, eliciting strong reactions from users online.
The image, which showcased clear blue skies and cheerful troops, drew a significant amount of attention, with various users commenting on everything from the cost of the troops’ landscaping services to urging locals to treat the soldiers kindly, as they are part of the community.
However, the veracity of the post has been called into question.
Reports confirmed by state and federal officials indicated that, as of Friday afternoon, no troops had been deployed in Portland.
Subtle indicators in the image—such as a person appearing to rake while half-submerged in the river alongside odd weather conditions—further hinted that the post was likely the product of artificial intelligence rather than an authentic depiction.
The spreading of misinformation is concerning, especially as tensions in Portland rise.
President Donald Trump has characterized the protests occurring outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, often using exaggerated descriptions of violence and chaos.
In her reporting, Aimee Green from The Oregonian/OregonLive noted that while the protests have been intense at times, most serious confrontations occurred in mid-2020.
While recent participation rates have fluctuated, with numbers occasionally reaching up to a couple hundred, most protests consist of just a few dozen individuals who engage in activities such as playing music and dressing in inflatable costumes.
This behavior often incites a response from federal officers, leading to complaints from residents and businesses in the area who are affected by the disturbances.
Nearby, a school opted to relocate rather than deal with the protests’ negative impact on its environment.
To provide context, the scale of the protests today pales in comparison to those witnessed in 2020, where protests against police violence following George Floyd’s death lasted for over 100 nights.
During that period, the severity of the clashes was stark, resulting in 1,071 arrests throughout the year.
In contrast, only around 60 arrests have been made in the first four months of 2025, with protest activity concentrated in one to two blocks in South Portland.
The discrepancies illustrate the importance of obtaining accurate information from reliable local news sources.
The Oregonian/OregonLive has been actively reporting on the protests and the climate in South Portland, providing updates and insights that help clarify the situation, countering narratives from both national media and social media platforms.
In anticipation of potential troop deployments by President Donald Trump, The Oregonian/OregonLive is ramping up its coverage.
For at least the next couple of weeks, teams of reporters and photographers will be dispatched to monitor nightly protests at the ICE facility, supplementing their ongoing daytime coverage.
This demanding work has already led to real-world consequences for journalists.
Recently, one reporter faced online harassment and threats after seeking to interview individuals regarding the truthfulness of President Trump’s statements.
Over the weekend, two Oregonian journalists were even targeted with tear gas when federal officers deployed it into a relatively peaceful crowd.
As emphasized repeatedly, the journalists at The Oregonian/OregonLive are dedicated professionals delivering accurate news about their community.
This commitment often contrasts sharply with reports from national media outlets, influencers, and streamers who may lack local knowledge or context.
In some cases, misinformation can stem from completely fabricated images, as seen with the manipulated leaf-raking photograph.
As local events potentially escalate in the coming months, it becomes increasingly crucial to rely on trusted sources of information such as The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Local news not only keeps the community informed but also provides channels for residents to express their concerns and queries directly to those gathering the news.
image source from：oregonlive
