Rising Anxiety in Portland, Oregon: Trump’s National Guard Deployment Fuels Concerns

Portland, Oregon — Protests have been ongoing outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in downtown Portland. While these demonstrations are mostly contained to one block, the perception of Portland as unsafe is spreading across the city.

Lisa Schroeder, the owner of Mother’s Bistro and Bar, noted an uptick in customers recently, which is unusual for her since the pandemic began and protests emptied the downtown area. “We’re seeing more people, but it’s not like it used to be,” she said. The economic impact of reduced foot traffic has been severe for many local businesses, including hers.

Since 2020, Portland has become a key battleground in national politics. President Trump ordered the deployment of the Oregon National Guard to assist with protest control. He described Portland as “war-ravaged” on social media, further intensifying the public’s fear. This rhetoric has many local business owners worried.

Schroeder expressed her frustration: “My business is only half what it once was. Telling people that our city is in chaos won’t help us recover.” Recent legal battles have targeted Trump’s moves. A federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment of troops, noting the need for local governance over issues affecting the community.

Interestingly, crime statistics from the Portland Police Bureau tell a different story. In 2024, overall crime dropped by 19% compared to 2022. Many residents, including diners at local eateries, reject the notion that Portland has spiraled into a war zone. “That’s not who we are,” one customer remarked.

This narrative issue is affecting businesses. “We have a serious image problem,” Schroeder stated. Many feel that public perception worsens the economic impact. A recent survey indicated that over 60% of Portland residents believe public safety is more stable than portrayed in the media.

Local insights reveal that many Portlanders want their city to recover rather than be labeled as unsafe. The community is resilient and working toward rebuilding its image and economy.

For more information on crime statistics and community dynamics, you can refer to reports from the Portland Police Bureau here.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Trump Administration, Protest, National Guard of the United States, Portland