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Militarized Federal Agents from a patchwork of outside agencies have begun policing Portland (in rented minivans vans) without the explicit approval of the mayor, the state, or local municipalities. This is what that looks like in practice:
Now combine these tactics with cities/regions known for Trump-emboldened vigilantes wearing similar gear and you have a very dangerous and unpredictable cocktail.
Clear identification is key to de-escalation.
Clear identification is key to de-escalation.
For folks asking "who are these guys?":
Four federal law enforcement agencies including U.S. Marshals, Federal Protective Service, Customs & Border Protection & Homeland Security Investigations have rotated officers through Portland since early July. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/investigations/who-are-these-federal-officers-sent-to-portland-to-deal-with-protesters/283-b2c3b375-cd6a-4e8a-b2c3-25cbbb911335
Four federal law enforcement agencies including U.S. Marshals, Federal Protective Service, Customs & Border Protection & Homeland Security Investigations have rotated officers through Portland since early July. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/investigations/who-are-these-federal-officers-sent-to-portland-to-deal-with-protesters/283-b2c3b375-cd6a-4e8a-b2c3-25cbbb911335
UPDATE: Several attempts were made by this mixed bag of federal officers (Marshals, Border Patrol, HSI) to grab people out of dwindling crowds. At least two people were detained in this manner and both may be released as of this time. Working to confirm.
UPDATE: Today, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf issued a statement in defense of the use of these Federal officers on the streets of Portand. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/07/16/acting-secretary-wolf-condemns-rampant-long-lasting-violence-portland
It is worth noting that these are the same unaccountable masked officers, who last week while "defending the courthouse" shot a projectile at Donovan Labella, a peaceful protester holding a speaker above his head, fracturing his skull & nearly killing him.
It's also worth noting that Senator @RonWyden is among the many local officials who have asked them to leave. https://twitter.com/RonWyden/status/1283402120562171904?s=20
UPDATE: For folks asking for additional info, I would highly recommend reading @conradjwilson and @_jlevinson impeccable reporting on these dangerously irregular federal detentions for Oregon Public Broadcasting https://www.opb.org/news/article/federal-law-enforcement-unmarked-vehicles-portland-protesters/
