Western States Center Files Suit to Keep Trump’s Armed Agents Off Portland Streets
Eric Ward, executive director of Western States Center, issued the following statement:
“President Trump made a big mistake when he tried to make an example of Portland. He pulled federal agents away from their actual jobs to use them as shock troops in our community. We are truly proud to stand with local allies and elected officials to go to court and bring an end to this madness.
“Our suit, filed today in federal court, seeks to restore Portlanders’ rights under the First and Tenth Amendments. Trump sent heavily armed federal agents against the express wishes of state and local leaders to try to pick a fight. That was made clear by Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, whose inflammatory remarks and unnecessary trip to Portland significantly exacerbated tensions, which had been calming.
“President Trump targeted Portland to score political points. But he hasn’t just picked a fight with us. He’s picked a fight with all Americans who believe in upholding the U.S. Constitution.”