Did President Trump send federal forces into Portland based on “propaganda,” as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claims? Or was the situation on the ground truly dangerous enough to require action?
That’s the question on many minds after AOC, a prominent member of the so-called “Squad,” sent out a fundraising email on October 6. In it, she accused the Trump administration of using “propaganda” to justify sending National Guard troops and federal law enforcement to cities like Portland and Chicago. She claimed the federal response was based on “misinformation” and even suggested that the administration was creating propaganda to fuel its agenda.
But here’s what’s really happening—and what people living in Portland say about life near the protests.
Let’s start with what the locals are saying. People who live near the ICE facility in Portland, Oregon, describe their neighborhood as a “war zone.” One woman, Brennah Hammar, told the BBC that she has had to wear a gas mask inside her own home. She captured video of gunshots and even someone being punched near the federal building. That doesn’t sound like peaceful protest—it sounds like chaos.
Another resident, 63-year-old Cindy Colgrove, said she’s been living through “115 days of hell.” She only goes outside during the day because of the danger that comes at night.
These aren’t the words of government officials or Trump supporters. These are regular people talking about their daily lives.
And the numbers back them up. Since June, Portland police have arrested more than 45 people near the ICE facility on charges like harassment, assault, and disorderly conduct. On the federal level, the Portland FBI office says 129 people have been arrested on charges related to federal crimes since June 8. That’s not a handful of bad actors. That’s a serious public safety issue.
One especially violent night came on July 4, when the U.S. Attorney’s office said protesters attacked the ICE building and federal officers. They threw rocks, trash, and bricks. Some used pepper spray. The situation was so dangerous that federal officers had to respond with significant force.
Loretta Guzman, who owns a local coffee shop called Bison Coffeehouse, said the crime and drugs in the area have made life unsafe. “It’s like our leaders have abandoned public safety,” she told Fox News. That’s a powerful statement—and one echoed by many Portland residents.
Even Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem weighed in during a visit to Portland. She accused Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson of “covering up the terrorism that is hitting their streets.” When a reporter pointed out a protester dressed in a chicken costume, Noem didn’t hesitate. “Uneducated and ill-informed,” she said.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson was just as blunt. “This isn’t a peaceful protest that’s under control, like many have claimed. It’s radical violence.”
So why is AOC calling this “propaganda”? That’s the question many are asking. Her email not only downplayed the violence but also quickly turned into a fundraising pitch. She asked supporters for donations ranging from $5 to $1,000 to “keep our movement strong.” She even included payment options like Venmo, PayPal, and Google Pay—making it as easy as possible to turn unrest into campaign cash.
It’s worth noting that AOC has already raised more than $15 million—a staggering amount for a House member. Some say she’s gearing up for a run for Senate or even President one day. But if this is her strategy—using dangerous street violence as a backdrop for political fundraising—it raises serious ethical questions.
In the end, the facts from Portland tell a very different story than AOC’s email. Residents are scared. Businesses are suffering. And federal law enforcement didn’t show up because of old video clips—they responded to real violence on American streets.
Calling that “propaganda” doesn’t change the truth.