XPost: alt.politics.immigration, or.politics, alt.fan.rush-limbaugh
XPost: talk.politics.guns, sac.politics
Mayor Keith Wilson says Portland saw 50,000 protesters march peacefully
while a separate group damaged an ICE facility, injuring 3 officers.
PORTLAND, Ore. - Mayor Keith Wilson issued a statement Sunday addressing massive "No Kings" anti-Trump demonstrations and a riot at a federal immigration facility that resulted in three arrests, providing detailed accounts of both peaceful protests and criminal activity.
Three people were arrested after police declared an unlawful assembly,
then a riot, Saturday night at the U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement facility in Portland. It followed a day of peaceful
anti-Trump "No Kings" protests across Oregon and the U.S.
The Portland Police Bureau said three people were arrested at the ICE
facility for attempted assault of a public safety officer, first-degree criminal mischief, harassment, interfering with a peace officer,
third-degree escape and first-degree theft.
In his statement released by the mayor's office, Wilson reported that an estimated 50,000 people participated in demonstrations across the city.
"An estimated 50,000 Portlanders marched together in solidarity and
protest yesterday, joining demonstrations from across the nation,"
Wilson said. "We celebrate all those who peacefully and powerfully
raised their voices against Federal overreach, which are deeply held
values in both Portland and our nation."
RELATED: Thousands turn out for 'No Kings' rallies across Oregon,
Washington
Wilson's statement described a separate incident at an Immigration and
Customs Enforcement facility located miles from the planned
demonstration route.
"Miles from the planned demonstration, an Immigration and Customs
Enforcement facility was damaged by fireworks and other materials,"
Wilson stated. "The Incident Command team learned of one federal officer
being injured and sent resources to assist, but learned he did not
require medical treatment."
The mayor's statement detailed the escalation of the situation at the
federal facility.
"Later in the evening, PPB was notified that two additional officers
received minor injuries and they, too, did not require treatment,"
Wilson said. "The Portland Police Bureau responded swiftly, arrested one person, and cleared a path for a medical evacuation, which was
ultimately not required."
RELATED: 3 arrested after police declare riot at Portland ICE facility
Wilson characterized the later events at the ICE facility in his
statement, noting the distinction between lawful protesters and those
engaged in criminal activity.
"Later in the evening, a small group of demonstrators remained at the
facility and the majority were exercising their constitutional right to
free speech while remaining law abiding," Wilson stated. "However, PPB
did step in to make targeted arrests when they had probable cause of
criminal behavior."
RELATED: Portland leaders reaffirm city's sanctuary city status ahead of
'No Kings' rallies
The mayor used his statement to clarify Portland's position as both a
sanctuary city and law enforcement jurisdiction.
"Portland is a sanctuary city within a sanctuary state, and the Portland
Police Bureau serves and protects our community," Wilson said. "We
affirm the right to free speech and expression while emphasizing that
violence, destruction, and obstruction carry consequences. Portland
complies with all applicable federal and state laws and will not
obstruct lawful federal enforcement operations."
Wilson's statement explicitly outlined the role of Portland police in
relation to federal immigration enforcement.
"Our officers will not be used as agents of ICE, but will intervene when criminal acts occur," Wilson stated. "Accordingly, our officers have
maintained a presence at the facility during demonstrations."
The mayor addressed ongoing investigations in his statement, indicating
that immediate arrests were not always necessary.
"It is important to note that just because arrests are not made at the
scene, when tensions are high, that does not mean that people are not
being charged with crimes later," Wilson said. "Even when arrests do not
happen in the moment, PPB members will continue to conduct follow-up investigations, make arrests, and forward cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution."
RELATED: 'No legal authority': Chief Day says Portland police will not
engage in immigration enforcement
Wilson's statement also addressed federal military deployment, rejecting
any need for National Guard intervention in Portland.
"Portland has not requested and does not require the intervention of the National Guard," Wilson stated. "Deploying military troops to the heart
of an American city, as the administration has in Los Angeles, is an unwarranted, unprecedented, and unconstitutional action."
The mayor concluded his statement with a warning about potential federal overreach.
"If we witness federal abuse following this incident or any other
pretext, we will bring it to light, take legal action, and take the
fight to federal courts, where we will prevail," Wilson stated.
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/politics/national-politics/portland-mayo r-protesters-ice-building-no-kings/283-87b5ee1e-610f-4742-bafd-1915bfa0f2
be
--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)