Homeland Security Secretary Issues Ultimatum to Portland Officials

Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem conveyed on FOX News that she has given a stern warning to key officials in Portland regarding the ongoing Antifa protests. In a statement, she mentioned that during a meeting with Portland’s Mayor, she emphasized the need for the city to take essential safety measures.

Back in September, President Donald Trump declared that he had sent troops to safeguard Portland’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in response to Noem’s plea for additional support. On “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Noem highlighted that if the city fails to act, federal resources will be increased significantly to ensure safety.

“I just met with the mayor, and it’s concerning. He’s still politically active but has indicated reluctance to follow through on safety promises,” Noem shared. “I made it clear—if they don’t implement safety measures to protect our staff, we will significantly ramp up federal personnel here.” She mentioned the potential deployment of four times the current number of federal officials to keep Portlanders safe.

Noem detailed that her warning was given during face-to-face discussions with both the mayor and the city police chief, along with the head of the state police. She expressed her desire for a wider safety buffer to protect law enforcement and prevent any disorderly behavior in the city.

“We’ve communicated our expectations. We need a more considerable area secured around the building to ensure everyone’s safety. We can’t allow chaos to reign in the streets anymore,” added Noem.

She pointed fingers at local officials for not adequately protecting federal agents against threats. “We’ve been requesting their cooperation, yet it appears our requests have gone unheeded. This inaction could ultimately result in increased federal presence.”

White House representatives noted that between June and September, Portland experienced over six violent left-wing protests, with some demonstrators linked to Antifa and others part of organizations funded by George Soros. Specific incidents included cases of arson and assaults on officers.

Notably, in 2019, the Rose City Antifa gained notoriety nationally, having been involved in violent confrontations, including a brutal attack on journalist Andy Ngo.

In September, President Trump categorized Antifa as a terrorist organization and initiated investigations into its financial backers. He described the group as a “dangerous radical left disaster” and urged authorities to trace its funding sources.