Groups Welcome Injunction to Safeguard First Amendment in Portland
Eric Ward, executive director of Western States Center, and Rev. Bill Sinkford, Senior Minister of First Unitarian Church of Portland, issued the following statement:
“In July, President Trump 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. The de facto federal invasion suppressed constitutionally-protected protests and chilled democratic practice. The First Amendment was the first casualty.
“Portland united in opposition and forced President Trump to back down. Today, a federal judge agreed, issuing an injunction that restricts federal agents to a one-block area outside the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse, thereby ending a significant aspect of the federal government’s abuse of power in Portland.
“We filed suit to restore Portlanders’ rights under the Constitution and welcome today’s ruling for defending Portlanders’ ability to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of undue harassment or threats by the federal government. We also believe President Trump violated the Tenth Amendment and will explore additional steps to protect our constitutional rights.
“President Trump didn’t just pick a fight with the city of Portland, he picked a fight with all Americans who believe in the U.S. Constitution. And he lost. Now the ball is in Portland’s court. City leaders, law enforcement and folks out in the streets have a chance to show America how to embrace our fundamental right to protest while uniting against hate and violence.”