Portland’s police union president has expressed openness to federal assistance as the city struggles with rising crime and ongoing violent activity from the far-left group Antifa. Following President Donald Trump’s renewed push to deploy the National Guard to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in Portland, law enforcement leaders say they are stretched thin and need more resources to restore order.
Sgt. Aaron Schmautz, president of the Portland Police Association, told Fox News he is prepared to work with federal officials to address the crisis. “Let’s present what resources we have to bring to bear to accomplish that task. And if it’s not sufficient, then we need help,” Schmautz stated. He declined to commit to specific policy responses but emphasized the importance of a joint, government-wide effort to reestablish safety.
President Trump recently signed an executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The action followed the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Investigators discovered Antifa-linked slogans on shell casings found at the scene. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has confessed and is facing seven charges, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
In response to Antifa-led attacks on ICE facilities and increasing street violence, President Trump authorized National Guard deployments to Portland. He stated federal property and law enforcement officers are “under siege” and need protection. The Trump administration criticized Democrat leadership in Portland and Chicago for what it described as willful neglect of law enforcement responsibilities, accusing them of enabling lawlessness while federal agencies work to maintain order.
Despite the president’s actions, Democrat officials in Oregon have resisted. Oregon’s attorney general filed suit to block the National Guard deployment, citing concerns over federal overreach and the Posse Comitatus Act. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, though the Ninth Circuit Court has shown skepticism toward Oregon’s legal arguments, indicating the federal government may have latitude to protect its facilities.
Back in Portland, Sgt. Schmautz said the police bureau remains severely understaffed and is struggling to contain violent crime. Homicides have increased fivefold between 2020 and 2023. “We are still working our way out of a significant… expansion in our crime profile,” he said, noting that Portland recorded nine homicides in the past month alone.
Schmautz also addressed the political climate surrounding law enforcement, pointing to the city council’s “anti-police rhetoric” and efforts to diminish police funding and authority. He emphasized that resolving Portland’s crisis will require not only more officers but also clear policy support and practical cooperation from local and federal leaders.
