‘Do not fail Portland’ city urges Trump DOJ in response to police probe – OregonLive.com

Key Takeaways:

• The city has urged the DOJ not to fail Portland amid a federal police probe.
• Federal officers are accused of using excessive force against protesters.
• Officials claim demonstrators’ constitutional rights have been violated.
• Tensions escalated after tear gas was deployed despite a judge’s block on the National Guard.
• Two protesters were arrested at an ICE facility on Sunday night.

City’s Urgent Appeal to the DOJ

“Do not fail Portland.” These are the words city leaders have used to call on the Trump Department of Justice to intervene in what they describe as a critical examination of federal officer conduct. Multiple media outlets, including OregonLive.com, report that Portland’s stance is rooted in a firm belief that the DOJ has a responsibility to investigate all potential abuses of power during recent protests.

Allegations of Excessive Force

Portland’s city lawyer publicly accused federal officers of using excessive force on demonstrators. At the heart of these claims is the concern that tactics such as extensive deployment of tear gas have endangered and intimidated peaceful protesters. Reports from KPTV and other local outlets highlight the tension between federal agents and community members, who argue their First Amendment rights are being undermined.

Constitutional Rights at Stake

Officials in Portland have gone further, alleging that federal officers violated protestors’ constitutional rights. Statements from sources including Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) assert that authorities must reckon with the legality of their actions on city streets. Portland leaders stress that arbitrary or unjustifiable use of force erodes fundamental civil liberties and stokes public mistrust.

Tensions on the Ground

Recent policing efforts at an ICE facility added to the city’s outcry. KGW reported that two people were arrested on Sunday night amid ongoing demonstrations. The arrests, coupled with further deployment of tear gas, intensified the call for a thorough inquiry. City representatives contend that federal agencies acted in defiance of a judge’s ruling that blocked the use of the National Guard in city protests.

Broader Context of Federal Involvement

Fox News reported on federal agents who moved in to make arrests and used tear gas. This quick escalation illustrates the uneasy cooperation—or lack thereof—between local authorities and federal entities. As protests persist, Portland leaders are pressing the DOJ to conclusively determine whether the city’s residents have been subjected to illegitimate enforcement measures. The ultimate goal, they say, is to ensure that no misuse of authority goes unchecked.