Federal immigration officials are preparing for the possible deployment of agents to Portland after weeks of escalating clashes at local facilities. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told Fox News that agents face nightly battles with groups linked to Antifa, describing attacks with bats, shields, and gas grenades. โWeโve called on local and state officials to help, but we just havenโt seen the help,โ Lyons said, stressing that more support is urgently needed.
The warning comes just days after an ICE facility in Dallas was targeted by a gunman who killed two detainees before taking his own life. President Trump has already ordered 200 National Guard troops to Portland, sparking a federal-state showdown. Oregon officials, including Governor Tina Kotek, have filed a lawsuit to block the move, calling it โunlawfulโ and insisting that local authorities can manage their own security. With tensions rising, ICE says planning for deployment is underway, even as protests continue outside Portlandโs immigration centers.
