Portland Reports 51% Drop in Homicides Amidst Renewed Federal Intervention Debate

Portland, Oregon – Conservative commentator Katie Daviscourt recently sparked discussion on social media regarding the city's crime situation and the prospect of federal intervention. In a tweet, Daviscourt questioned, > "Why would residents be against Trump deploying the National Guard to Portland to clean up the crime-ridden city? It’s basically a get out of jail free card for years of failed policies. Portland isn’t going to turn around without outside help." This statement comes as the city reports a substantial reduction in violent crime.

Recent data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association’s Midyear Violent Crime Report indicates a 51% decrease in homicides in Portland during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Overall violent crime in the city also fell by 17%. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day have attributed this progress to sustained local strategies and strong community partnerships, including violence prevention programs and increased police presence in targeted areas.

Historically, Portland has a contentious relationship with federal intervention. In 2020, the Trump administration deployed federal agents to the city during protests, leading to widespread clashes and strong opposition from local and state officials who viewed it as an overreach. This period solidified a local sentiment against unsolicited federal presence, emphasizing the city's preference for local control over public safety matters.

Despite the positive trends in violent crime, Portland continues to face challenges, particularly with property crime and a significant increase in drug-related offenses following the recriminalization of drug possession in August 2024. Public opinion remains divided, with some residents expressing frustration over ongoing issues, while local leadership, including Mayor Wilson and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, consistently push back against calls for federal law enforcement intervention. An August 2025 AP-NORC poll revealed that only a third of Americans support federal government control over city police departments, with strong opposition from Democrats.