It’s classic entrenchment with no end in sight.
Neither side is backing down as protesters and federal agents continue to periodically clash in downtown Portland following an infusion of federal resources in the area, and the Trump administration persists in seeking political gain from ongoing tensions.
“We want them to get the f*** out of our city,” said Aaron, a Portland resident who withheld his full name as he stood outside a courthouse, protesting the increased presence of federal forces.
“I offered DHS support to help locally address the situation that’s going on in Portland, and their only response was: please pack up and go home,” said acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf in an interview with Fox News, adding, “That’s just not going to happen on my watch.”
What constitutes the situation Wolf describes is not one mutually accepted by those on different sides of the issue. The Trump administration says they are fighting “anarchists.” But protesters here on the ground in Portland tell CNN the President and his team are broad brushing an entire movement – overwhelmingly peaceful, despite some periods of violence – for purely political reasons.
