PORTLAND, OR — Today, Councilor Loretta Smith issued the following statement in response to President Trump's announcement of deploying federal troops to Portland:
"Let me be clear: we did not ask for federal intervention, and we do not welcome it. Portland is not a battlefield; it is our home.
We trust our local law enforcement, our trained first responders, and our community members to keep our families safe. These are the people who know our neighborhoods, understand our challenges, and work every day to build trust and safety.
Deploying federal troops into our city is a gross overreach and a misuse of power. It threatens our ability to govern ourselves, to live peacefully, and to move through our communities without fear.
Make no mistake, this is not just about Portland. This is about setting a dangerous precedent that allows federal agents to be deployed anywhere, against anyone, without local consent or oversight.
We will peacefully oppose this military takeover of Oregon. We will not be divided by this attack on our communities. We will stand together to protect our freedoms, our families, and our future."
Councilor Smith remains committed to working with local leaders, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure Portlanders are safe, supported, and heard.
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