Chairs Maloney and Raskin Condemn Trump Administration's Use of Federal Officers in Portland, Oregon

Press Release

Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, issued the following statements about the Trump Administration's deployment of unidentified federal officials to police Portland, Oregon, over the objections of state and local officials:

"Is this really America? Donald Trump and his sycophants have now created a national secret police force of unidentified federal officers dressed in military camouflage and given to ruthless treatment of civilian claims," said Chairman Raskin. "This banana-republic-style secret police unit has unleashed violence against the people of Portland--mothers, veterans, students--in complete defiance of state and local officials. This chilling display of brutality emanating directly from the White House has no place in our democracy and our constitutional system. It is calculated not to restore peace but to generate endless conflict."

"Time after time, the Trump Administration continues to trample on the First Amendment rights of American citizens who are speaking out about the racial injustices in our country," said Chairwoman Maloney. "Just last month, the Administration tear-gassed peaceful protesters in Washington, D.C. for a photo opportunity, and now unidentified law enforcement officials are kidnapping protesters in Portland, Oregon and threatening to target New York City next. As Chairwoman of the Oversight Committee, I have requested the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security Inspectors General immediately investigate the Trump Administration's actions, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure this egregious abuse of power does not go unchecked."

Maloney and Raskin demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) respond to outstanding Committee and Subcommittee requests about the use of federal resources to quash protests on police brutality:

"On June 5, the Committee sought information about the use of federal law enforcement personnel to intimidate and harass peaceful protestors. To date, we have not received any meaningful answers to our oversight requests, and the Trump Administration continues to violate the rights of American citizens and their state governments unabated. We hope our Republican friends on the other side of the aisle will uphold their oaths to defend the Constitution and join us in demanding answers from Attorney General Barr and Acting Secretary Wolf."

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