Multnomah Co. DA Not Investigating Uses Of Force By Feds – KXL

Portland, OR – Local and state officials have said federal agents may have violated the law in their uses of force to deal with crowds of protesters outside Portland’s ICE facility,  but they won’t be prosecuted by Multnomah County’s District Attorney. 

“We’re not out investigating federal officers,” says D.A. Nathan Vasquez, “Have I seen things that have been concerning to me? Sure, I have.” He tells KXL his office has received numerous calls from concerned citizens about the actions of federal law enforcement. But he will not pursue charges.

“The law prohibits us from really taking any action in state court,” says Vasquez, “The United States Constitution states that under the Supremacy Clause, that we cannot really prosecute a federal officer in state court.” He adds, “This is one where we have to look to the US Attorney’s office and they can certainly look into these things and work on it. But unfortunately, in state court, my hands are tied.” Listen to our full conversation with D.A. Vasquez in the podcast episode below.

Responding to questions about agents’ use of force against protesters in Portland and other cities, House Speaker Mike Johnson said earlier this week he has not seen any actions that “cross the line, yet.” 

Vasquez says protesters and counter-protesters accused of crimes will face prosecution. “I’ve said from day one: left, right or center, ideology does not matter. The only question is ‘can I prove that a crime occurred?’ and, can I take that to court?” Of the around 50 arrests by Portland Police outside the ICE building since June, Vasquez says 85-90%  have been formally charged. “The misdemeanors get charged on information. The felonies go before a grand jury; and then if there’s sufficient evidence, then an indictment is issued at that point.”