Portland Oregon, and Chicago Illinois, have experienced several deployments of federal agents and National Guard troops in response to protests, civil unrest, and crime concerns.

These actions, primarily under the Trump administration, were intended to protect federal property and support local law enforcement.

Portland, Oregon: Federal Response to Protests and Unrest

Portland has been a focal point for federal deployments during extended protests related to police practices and immigration enforcement, primarily in downtown and waterfront districts.

What Happened: Key Deployments

• 2020 Surge: Starting in July 2020, federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Marshals Service, and Border Patrol were sent to secure the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse amid nightly demonstrations.
  • Agents used non-lethal munitions and made arrests during clashes. By late 2020, over 100 individuals faced federal charges, mainly for offenses like assault and property damage.
• 2025 Escalation: On September 27, 2025, President Trump directed the deployment of at least 200 National Guard troops to protect the ICE facility on South Macadam Avenue from potential threats by “Antifa and other domestic terrorists.”
  • DHS reported arrests of dozens for attacks on federal sites, including 17 charged in a July 4 incident and six for assaults in June.

Why and When: Safeguarding Federal Property

Different deployments over recent years aimed to defend federal buildings from vandalism and assaults during protests that began after George Floyd’s death in 2020. And continued with demonstrations against ICE operations in 2025.

In 2025, Trump designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization due to reported doxxing of officers and threats.

Agents arrived on July 18, 2020, and troops were ordered for late September 2025. Local officials, including Mayor Keith Wilson, noted they learned of the 2025 plans through media reports.

Where: Key Locations

Operations focused on federal properties: the downtown courthouse in 2020 and the South Waterfront ICE facility in 2025. Demonstrations extended to adjacent streets, including the Pearl District.

Crime Rates: Fluctuations Over Time

Portland’s crime data reflects changes linked to unrest and broader trends:

• 2019: 36 homicides; violent crime rate around 300 per 100,000 residents; property crime averaged 296 per 100 residents from 2019-2023.
• 2020: 57 homicides; violent crime increased 17% from 2019; overall rate reached 525 per 100,000 (more than twice the national average), with assaults rising during protests.
• 2021: 88 homicides; a 207% increase from 2019, marking a peak in gun-related incidents.
• 2025: Homicides decreased 51% in the first half (17 compared to 35 in 2024); violent crime fell nationally, though assaults saw a minor uptick. Analysts attribute 2020-2021 increases to pandemic effects and unrest.

Antifa’s Role

Antifa, an anti-fascist movement, has been associated with protest violence in Portland. In 2020, a self-identified supporter, Michael Reinoehl, killed a far-right activist, prompting federal investigations.

By 2025, groups like Rose City Antifa faced accusations of doxxing ICE personnel and participating in facility attacks, leading to arrests for arson and assaults.

Federal reports note no major Antifa-linked terrorist incidents, though the group has been involved in riots.

What Residents Think: Varied Opinions

Resident views on federal deployments range from support for added security to concerns about escalation.

A 2020 DHS report highlighted coordination challenges, while some locals welcomed protection for federal sites.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson stated on September 27, 2025: “The number of necessary troops is zero… The president will not find lawlessness or violence here unless he plans to perpetrate it.”

U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a former Oregon representative, described Portland as a “crime-ridden warzone” and thanked Trump for the action.

Some business owners reported disruptions from protests.

More Important Details

• Legal Developments: A 2021 DHS review found agents lacked adequate crowd-control preparation. Oregon’s 2025 lawsuit argues the deployment disrupts local efforts.
• Economic Effects: 2020 protests resulted in about $1.6 million in courthouse damages; assaults on ICE staff rose significantly.
• Context: As a sanctuary city, Portland’s policies have conflicted with federal immigration priorities, positioning it as a key example in national debates.

Chicago, Illinois: National Guard for Unrest and Crime Management

Chicago’s federal involvement has addressed riot response and gun violence in areas like Garfield Park and Englewood.

What Happened: Key Deployments

• 2020 Activation: In late May 2020, Gov. J.B. Pritzker activated 375 National Guard troops at Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s request following George Floyd protests that included looting and arson affecting over 100 businesses. Troops secured downtown for several weeks.
• 2025 Threats: In August 2025, Trump threatened National Guard deployment to address “out-of-control” crime, describing Chicago as a “killing field.” No full activation occurred, but federal agents prepared for immigration enforcement under “Operation Midway Blitz.” Local officials opposed the plan.

Why and When: Managing Unrest and Crime

The 2020 deployment responded to immediate disorder after Floyd’s death. In 2025, it targeted high homicide rates and gang activity, connected to immigration enforcement. Troops deployed on June 1, 2020; 2025 discussions followed a violent Labor Day weekend with 58 shootings and 8 deaths.

Where: Key Areas

In 2020, efforts concentrated on downtown (Loop, River North). For 2025, plans emphasized South and West Sides, including Bronzeville, for high-crime patrols.

Crime Rates: Persistent but Declining

Chicago maintains elevated crime levels, with recent downward trends:

• 2019: Approximately 500 homicides; violent crime rate around 1,000 per 100,000; property crimes prevalent.
• 2020: 779 homicides; 55% increase from 2019; homicide rate at 28.4 per 100,000 amid pandemic effects.
• 2021: 805 homicides; rate of 29.8 per 100,000, with assaults contributing to the peak.
• 2024-2025: Overall rate: about 540 violent incidents per 100,000. Shooting lethality increased 45% in early 2020s.

Antifa’s Role: Limited Involvement

Antifa played a minor role in Chicago compared to Portland. The 2020 protests were primarily driven by Black Lives Matter, with limited far-left participation and no significant Antifa-related federal actions.

What Residents Think: Diverse Perspectives

Reactions vary: Some seek stronger enforcement against crime, while others worry about federal overreach.

Garfield Park resident Amadi Damole said in September 2025: “The National Guard will only be a temporary solution to an everlasting problem.”

Resident Tom Stack expressed support: “I can’t wait till they get here… too much crime.” Victim advocates highlight socioeconomic factors like poverty.

More Important Details

• Underlying Factors: Poverty, school funding gaps, and gun trafficking from Indiana (45% of recovered firearms) contribute to issues.
• Federal Actions: Trump withheld $158 million in prevention grants in 2025; Mayor Brandon Johnson called it “control through intimidation.”
• Disparities: Black residents experience 20 times higher gun death rates; neighborhoods like Fuller Park show 68 times the homicide risk of safer areas.

Broader Impacts and Lessons

These cases illustrate tensions in U.S. law enforcement approaches: Federal support can aid immediate protection but may strain local relations.

Portland and Chicago want to continue addressing challenges through local and federal channels, with input from residents guiding outcomes.

For current data and crime rates, consult FBI or city resources.