Federal law enforcement officers in Portland, Oregon, have been using unmarked cars to detain peaceful protesters since at least 14 July, according to reports. Activists have expressed severe alarm over the tactic, which they say involves officers driving up to individuals, arresting them without explanation, and driving off.
The acting US homeland security secretary, Chad Wolf, visited the city on Thursday and described demonstrators as 'violent anarchists'. He defended federal officers, stating, 'These valiant men and women have defended our institutions of justice against violent anarchists for 48 straight days. We will prevail.'
Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that federal officers have also deployed teargas and fired less-lethal rounds into crowds. On 11 July, a demonstrator was left with skull fractures after being shot in the face with a 'less lethal' munition. Portland’s mayor, Ted Wheeler, and local officials have said they did not ask for federal help and have requested their departure.
Ken Cuccinelli, the acting deputy secretary of homeland security, defended the operations, saying the federal government had a duty to protect buildings such as the courthouse. He criticised Portland's leadership for failing to curb violence. However, activists warn that the strategy may be a test case for other cities, with Zakir Khan of the Council on American-Islamic Relations stating, 'They want to see what they can get away with before launching into other parts of the country.'
