In a decisive move to counteract increasing violence against federal immigration personnel, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday the authorization of the U.S. military's "full force" to defend Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. This action is a direct response to a series of attacks by far-left groups, notably including Antifa, deemed as domestic terrorists by the administration.
Trump's statement on Truth Social detailed that at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's request, he has directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to deploy necessary troops to safeguard war-torn Portland and any ICE facilities under siege. "Full force" measures have been authorized if deemed necessary by the administration.
The move comes in the wake of escalated attacks on ICE personnel. Notably, an incident earlier this month involved a gunman opening fire at an ICE facility in Dallas, Texas. This attack resulted in the death of one illegal immigrant and critical injuries to two others. The shooter's objective was to terrorize ICE agents before he ultimately took his own life.
Violent demonstrations and targeted assaults have become increasingly common, with a reported 830% rise in assaults on agents compared to the previous year. Federal officers are facing heightened threats, including being doxxed and harassed online. Portland has been a hotspot for such unrest, with federal agents repeatedly harassed and physically attacked, as reported by the Daily Wire.
A particularly alarming demonstration of the escalating tension was the erection of a guillotine outside an ICE facility, an act Homeland Security Secretary Noem condemned as "unhinged behavior." President Trump attributed much of the unrest to "professional agitators and anarchists" masquerading as protesters, further underscoring the necessity for military intervention to restore law and order.
This authorization reflects the administration's growing concern for the safety of federal agents and the escalating boldness of left-wing extremists targeting ICE. In response to threats, many agents have taken to covering their faces during arrests, a precaution that has sparked controversy with California's state government. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a law prohibiting ICE agents from masking—a move criticized by DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin as endangering federal officers. Despite the state law, federal personnel continue to use masks, emphasizing that they are not subject to state-level restrictions.
Trump's order mandates that Hegseth and the Department of Defense work in close coordination with the Department of Homeland Security to secure facilities, prevent further attacks, and ensure the safety of federal officers. The administration's determination to protect ICE operations is underscored by the president's statements.
This deployment is one of the most direct uses of military authority to shield ICE from domestic unrest in recent years. It reflects the broader push by the Trump administration to support federal law enforcement against left-wing aggression, particularly in cities where local authorities have struggled to contain violent protests.
With ongoing tensions in Portland, Dallas, and other locations, the Trump administration is signaling a zero-tolerance approach to domestic terrorism targeting ICE. The full military deployment is intended as a deterrent to further violence, ensuring that federal facilities remain operational and agents can perform their duties without fear of harassment, injury, or intimidation.
In the wake of the president's announcement, left-wing Antifa extremists have called for mobilization and insurrection, challenging the military's impending presence in Portland and at ICE facilities. This development was highlighted in a tweet by journalist Eric Daugherty, who questioned the extremists' readiness to confront the U.S. military.
Federal agents and ICE personnel are expected to receive immediate reinforcements and additional protection measures, demonstrating the administration's commitment to maintaining law and order in the face of domestic threats.
