WASHINGTON.- The president donald trump ordered his administration to begin a review of federal funding for Portland, Oregon, in response to what he called a climate of “lawlessness” caused by ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The announcement was confirmed on Friday by the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavittduring a press conference. “The president has asked his team to evaluate the funding that could be cut to Portland. We will not fund states that allow anarchy. Law and order will prevail,” he declared.
Demonstrations in Portland have continued for more than 100 consecutive nights, particularly in the south of the city, where groups linked to Antifa have broken into an ICE detention center, causing destruction and clashes with federal agents.
“Left anarchy”
The director of the local ICE office, Cammilla Wamsleyhe told Fox News that the protests include attacks with rockets, stones and laser beams against officers, in addition to blocking vehicles and direct harassment of employees even in their own homes.
“This is not a peaceful protest, it is the leftist anarchy destroying Portlandhits police officers, terrorizes citizens and damages commercial properties,” Leavitt denounced.
The presidential announcement coincides with the investigation opened by Attorney General Pam Bondi against the Portland Police, following the arrest of conservative journalist Nick Sortor during coverage of the riots.
The case adds to another incident in which reporter Katie Daviscourt, from the media Post Millennialwas attacked by a masked protester, resulting in a black eye. The journalist accused local authorities of not intervening.
Investigation
The Justice Department is investigating whether the city is using zoning laws to limit ICE operations. In an official letter, the deputy prosecutor, Harmeet Dhillonwarned that the accusations point to a pattern of bias in the local administration.
On Saturday, Trump announced he was sending 200 National Guard troops to Portland to beef up security around federal facilities and “defend against domestic terrorists with all necessary force.”
However, state authorities filed a lawsuit to stop the deployment of troops on active duty, which anticipates a new judicial pulse between the White House and the Oregon government.
