Portland, OR – Federal agents will start to leave Portland, after nights of protests and violence had forced government intervention. The Oregon governor, Kate Brown, had refused to act before federal officials stepping in. The deal was struck over the last 24 hours.
According to the reports, Gov. Brown will send a robust presence of Oregon State Police into Portland to help control the violence. Portland has seen over 60 consecutive nights of violence, with many injuries to law enforcement officers as a result.
The phased approach for the Oregon withdrawal of federal officers will begin on Thursday. Oregon forces will help protect the federal courthouse in Portland, and as Brown states, “provide protection for free speech.” Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf said that the department would continue to evaluate the situation in Portland and respond as needed.
President Trump had promised federal intervention if Governors and Mayors did not step into situations across the country. The USA Today reports that Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee are up next for Operation Legend.
Multiple cities across the country have seen a dramatic increase in crime over the past few months. Some of this may stem as holdovers from the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. Others suggest it could be because multiple criminals were released in many of these areas as part of the COVID-19 response.
Chicago, New York City, and these other cities mentioned have seen increases in crime. Milwaukee recently voted to disband their police force, a move that is still pending.
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