Dhs Excessive Use of Force

Floor Speech

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Ms. DEXTER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise as Federal agents once again descend upon Portland, not to protect, but to terrorize.

Over the weekend, during a peaceful labor-led protest, DHS agents deployed tear gas on civilians, including children in the crowd. DHS, let me say that again, tear-gassed children. The clouds were so dense, they sickened families and left a stench that lingered for miles.

This wasn't crowd control. It is state-sponsored violence.

The courts agree. Yesterday, a Federal judge ordered a temporary restraining order against Federal agents tear-gassing peaceful protesters.

This isn't the first time Federal agents have used excessive force. In Portland just last October, after protesters were already restrained, Federal agents pepper-sprayed them pointblank. This is not law enforcement. This is Donald Trump's goon squad deployed to punish dissent and sow chaos in our communities.

Let me be clear. Portland will not be bullied into compliance nor into betraying our values.

Mr. Speaker, I echo Mayor Keith Wilson's call: If you are still working for ICE, resign. It is no honor to participate in this kind of hostility.

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