Portland, OR — For the past several weeks, federal agents have been in downtown Portland at the order of President Trump. Today, Governor Kate Brown announced they will finally be removed. However, not all at once. Here’s what she had to say:
“After my repeated requests, the federal government has agreed to a phased withdrawal of federal officers that have been deployed to the Mark Hatfield United States Courthouse over recent weeks.
“These federal officers have acted as an occupying force, refused accountability, and brought violence and strife to our community. Beginning Thursday, all Customs and Border Protection and ICE officers will leave downtown Portland, and shortly thereafter will begin going home.
“After discussions with the Vice President and administration officials this week, the federal government has agreed to my demand and will withdraw these officers from Portland. They will also clean up the Courthouse, removing the graffiti.”
The government still had a concern about the protection of the Mark Hartfield Courthouse. Governor Brown stated local police officers will remain on security after the federal agents have been removed from the city.
“The local Oregon officers of the Oregon State Police will provide protection for free speech and the security of the exterior of the courthouse with the Federal Protective Service,” Brown said in a press release. “A limited contingent of federal officials, who act as building security year-round, will remain and will stay focused on the interior of the U.S. Courthouse.”
