Portland Residents, Lawmakers Request Federal Troops Pull Out Amid Protests

The situation in Portland, Oregon over “Black Lives Matter” protests has grown volatile in recent weeks. Demonstrations in the area have continued for over 50 days straight. While the majority of them have been peaceful, there have been occasional incidents of violence and unrest especially late at night and in the early morning hours. The situation led to the ordering of a federal military presence to occupy the streets who, since the Fourth of July, have conducted 43 federal arrests. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said yesterday the presence was necessary, stating “what is occurring in Portland in the early hours of the morning is not peaceful protesting.” However, many citizens have scrutinized the decision. There has also been concern over recent reports claiming unidentified officers are arresting protesters. Wolf denied all these “false reports” but local officials and lawmakers continue to ask the Trump Administration to pull back the uniformed personnel.