Trump has ordered the deployment of troops to Portland, Oregon, and the use of “full force” if necessary, to stop protests targeting immigration detention centers.

The US president said in a tweet that the move would help protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is under siege by Antifa and other domestic terrorists.

The decision marks a further expansion of the military presence in US cities as the Trump administration continues to crack down on illegal immigration.

The president's move has already drawn opposition from Democratic lawmakers, who say the deployment of federal troops in Portland is unnecessary.

"There is no national security threat in Portland. Our community is safe and stable," said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek.

In his post on social media, Trump did not mention whether he intended to deploy National Guard or US military personnel, nor did he explain what he meant by "full force."

"We are prepared to mobilize U.S. military personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security's operation in Portland, as directed by the president," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told the BBC.