Tag: Mayor Wilson

Portland, Ore. – After the President’s remarks that he would take action against protesters he believes are “burning down Portland every night,” reports now of an increased federal presence in the city. Talking to reporters in the Oval Office Thursday, President Trump said, “We’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland.”

Friday night, at a hastily organized press conference, Mayor Keith Wilson announced, “We now have a sudden influx of federal agents in our city.” He went on to say, “They are here without clear precedent or purpose.” Wilson also described reports of armored vehicles around the ICE building on Portland’s South Waterfront. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said, “President Trump seems to be following through on his federal conversation about sending forces to Portland.” Merkley went on to say it’s still unclear how many are coming and which service or agency they are from, “Is it Federal Protective Services? Has he organized National Guard to come from other states?”

Wilson and Merkley were joined Friday night by U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, the Multnomah County Chair, several Portland City Councilors, faith leaders and others, who all shared the same message: “Don’t take the bait.” Several speakers reiterated the request for Portlanders to continue to protest peacefully and legally, but asked they not give the Administration any reason to escalate the situation.

This is a developing story and will be updated if more information becomes available.