Concern Rises in Portland Over Trump's Move to Deploy National Guard

Recent demonstrations outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement site in Portland, Oregon, have been mostly restricted to a small area in the downtown South Waterfront district. Yet, Portland's reputation as a safe city has suffered, causing broader citywide effects.

On a particular day in October, Mother's Bistro and Bar in the heart of Portland was unexpectedly bustling, according to its long-time owner, Lisa Schroeder.

"There are busy days, but it's different from before," Schroeder remarked to CBS News.

Schroeder notes that since the dual impacts of the 2020 pandemic and social justice rallies, which left downtown mostly deserted, business conditions have worsened.

Portland has garnered attention as President Trump decided to deploy the National Guard aimed at quelling opposition to ICE activities in predominantly Democratic cities.

On September 28, President Trump announced he would send federal forces to Portland in reaction to the ongoing protests at the ICE facility, labeling the area as "torn by conflict" on social media. The Trump administration later confirmed the plan to place 200 Oregon National Guard members under federal jurisdiction for 60 days.

In an address to military leaders on September 30 at the Marine Corps Museum in Virginia, he referred to Portland as resembling a "combat zone."

Later, on October 5, he claimed to reporters that "Portland is engulfed in flames."

"My business is half of what it was, and it won't improve with such descriptions of our city," Schroeder stated.

Recently, a federal judge appointed by Trump temporarily halted the federalization and deployment of Oregon National Guard forces, and a subsequent ruling restricted the arrival of additional National Guard from other states, notably preventing the dispatch of 200 more California troops to Portland.

Midweek, an appellate court refused a White House plea for the 200 Oregon troops to stay under federal command, maintaining that National Guard members cannot be sent to Portland while the legal challenge proceeds.

Local business owners have voiced their disapproval in legal statements supporting the state's lawsuit, highlighting how the president's remarks harm their enterprises.

Customers share similar sentiments.

"This isn't what Portland represents," commented a patron at Mother's Bistro and Bar, dismissing the notion of the city as a conflict zone.

Schroeder expresses belief in Portland's struggle with its public image.

"It feels like a small community is being targeted by a giant," Schroeder explained. "We're a modest city attempting to resolve our issues. We don't need external interference. We're on the path to recovery but haven't arrived yet."

Police reports indicate that overall crime in 2024 decreased by 19% from 2022. However, as demonstrations continue, Schroeder notes her financial losses, questioning government spending priorities.