Portland has long been a hotbed of far-left violence, where conservative voices are frequently met with brutality.

President Donald Trump has described Portland as a “war-torn” city and announced that troops would be sent there to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from “domestic terrorists.” The Governor of Oregon rejected the plan, stating: “Portland is fine – we do not need troops.”

For years, Portland has been a breeding ground for far-left violence, where conservative viewpoints are often met with brutal force.

The city, which portrays itself as a bastion against fascism, is home to Antifa groups such as “Rose City Antifa,” operating with militant rhetoric and tactics, often under the guise of protests.

Journalist Andy Ngo, who has reported on these groups for years, has himself become a target. In 2019, an Antifa mob in Portland beat him so severely that he suffered a brain haemorrhage – an attack celebrated online by left-wing activists. Ngo, who comes from a Vietnamese refugee family and fled communist oppression, was labelled a “fascist.” Recently, a Portland Antifa member posted videos showing Ngo and conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s photographs being shot at, accompanied by threats.

Molotov Cocktails and Weapons

Ngo has also documented Antifa members acting with Molotov cocktails and weapons, including the murder of Aaron Danielson, a Trump supporter shot by a self-proclaimed Antifa member. In 2021, an Antifa crowd chased Ngo through the streets, knocking him down and beating him while he begged for help.

The 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in Portland resulted in more than 100 nights of destruction: Antifa members set buildings on fire, attacked police officers, damaged streets, and turned the city into a no-go zone. Federal agents had to intervene to curb the far-left anarchy, which caused millions of dollars in damage and multiple injuries.

In recent days, local Antifa groups have organised riots in Eugene: on 23 September, they mobilised for “direct action” against government buildings, bringing shields and weapons to harass journalists and attack authorities. “Bring protective gear and your Portland energy,” one flyer read.

Protesters confront Portland police with a vehicle. Photo: AFP

Rose City Antifa and the Guillotine

Portland’s extreme political orientation is rooted in socio-cultural and political factors. Oregon is a Democratic stronghold: since 1988, the state has voted Democratic in every presidential election, and the party controls the governorship, both legislative chambers, and most congressional seats.

This dominance creates a vacuum in which the radical left can thrive unimpeded: local politicians, such as the mayor or city council members, often downplay the violence to avoid alienating their progressive supporters.

The West Coast mentality – marked by environmentalism, individualism, and anti-establishment attitudes – is reinforced by the influence of numerous universities, including Portland State University.

Portland’s history is paradoxical: founded in the 19th century as a white utopia with racist laws, it evolved into a culture of anti-fascist resistance, embodied in groups such as Rose City Antifa (since 2007). These “anti-fascists” consider themselves guards against the right, but their methods – ranging from vandalism to attacks – undermine democratic discourse and foster a culture of intolerance. In a city that prides itself on progressivism, extremism is socially acceptable, provided it is left-wing.

Katie Daviscourt, a journalist for The Post Millennial, accompanied ICE officers and documented the most recent siege: Antifa has been waiting outside the agency for more than 90 days. Protesters throw stones, set off fireworks, and attack agents. Federal Protective Service officers work 12-hour shifts while being called traitors.

“We have experienced several attacks against federal officers,”

– says a director in Daviscourt’s documentary, as left-wing radicals have even placed guillotines outside the workplace as symbols of threat. The officers’ morale is high, but the constant hostility is exhausting: “It damages morale, but we carry out our duty.”

Portland — America is a civilized country and these Antifa punks need to learn a hard lesson.
👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/FGoWNl3xpc

— ⚖️Law Aficionado ™ ⚖️ (@LawJustice323) September 28, 2025

Antifa has officially been classified as a terrorist organisation in the United States since last week.

Following President Trump’s announcement, conflict with ICE is expected to intensify, as the agency is currently carrying out large-scale deportations. Black Hawk helicopters circled over the city, while some members wore masks and dressed in black, resembling a shadow army. “Our streets!” – chanted the crowd as they harassed passersby and journalists.

The walls have been decorated with graffitis saying things like “Kill Pigs,” or “We got the guillotine.” The demonstrators burned the American flag as flames were licking the asphalt, and when a reporter asked why such actions were necessary during a protest, the crowd began chasing him. Protesters used skateboards as weapons, attacked a car, and tore off mirrors.