Noem warns of 'four times' the federal officers heading to Portland after meeting with the mayor
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that she had a meeting with the MAYOR of Portland and issued him an ultimatum.
Oct 8, 2025 / GMT+6
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has sparked controversy following her recent visit to Portland, Oregon, where she met with Mayor Keith Wilson and other local officials on Tuesday. During an interview on Fox News, Noem said that if the mayor failed to meet her demands for increased security at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, she would deploy "four times the amount of federal officers" to the city.
Here are the key developments:
- 🏛️ Security Demands: Noem requested a larger buffer zone around the ICE facility, reopened streets, and enhanced protection for federal officers. She expressed disappointment that Mayor Wilson did not commit to these measures during their meeting.
- ⚠️ Federal Surge Threat: Noem warned that failure to comply would result in a significant increase in federal personnel, saying Portland had left officers "to hang out to dry" amid ongoing protests.
- 🗣️ Local Response: Mayor Wilson maintained that federal tactics were "troubling and likely unconstitutional" and voiced concerns about Portland being used as a military "training ground."
- đź‘® Police Perspective: Portland Police Chief Bob Day emphasized a "holistic approach" and acknowledged differences of opinion, while striving for shared safety goals.
- 🏛️ Legal Context: Noem’s visit followed President Trump’s authorization to deploy the National Guard to Portland, which was temporarily blocked by a federal judge.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day made conciliatory comments during a press conference after meeting with Noem, which he indicated also involved Wilson. He emphasized a "holistic approach" to managing the protests outside the ICE facility in South Portland.
“There are clearly differing opinions,” he remarked regarding his discussion with the secretary. “I can’t say we agree on everything, but I can affirm that we remain professional as we work toward a common goal of safety.”
When asked to comment on Noem's statements aired on Fox News, a spokesperson from the Portland Police Bureau stated via email, “We’ll let the Chief’s comments from the news conference speak for themselves.”
Wilson did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday night.
Noem arrived in Portland just before 11:30 a.m. and headed to the ICE facility, where she toured the premises and briefly appeared on the roof alongside conservative influencer Nick Sortor, who had been arrested by Portland police during a protest last week. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office opted not to charge him, citing insufficient evidence for a disorderly conduct charge.
In her interview with Watters, Noem criticized Portland for reportedly allowing federal officers to be "abandoned" outside the ICE facility.
She expressed disappointment regarding Wilson’s response to her requests for increased security, a larger buffer zone around the facility, and reopening adjacent streets.
“He didn’t commit to those requests and indicated he would provide an answer by tomorrow; I remain hopeful,” she noted. “I told him that if he didn’t implement some of these security measures for our officers, we would bring in more federal support, potentially quadrupling the number of federal officers present.”
During her Portland visit, Noem also engaged with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell, and Oregon State Police Superintendent Casey Codding.
