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Heather Gosling writes about the deployment of federal troops in Portland, Oregon. While Trump has described Black Lives Matter protesters as "thugs", many fear that this move is heightening violence. Unmarked troops have reportedly been snatching demonstrators from the streets and forcing them into unmarked vehicles, while those in uniform have been using tear gas and rubber bullets. A "wall of moms" has since taken to the streets.
Every night since George Floyd was killed on the 25th of May, protesters have gathered in Portland, Oregon to protest against racial inequality. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to stand up against the disproportionate amount of Black people and ethnic minorities experiencing police brutality. The death of George Floyd sent shockwaves throughout the world, and inspired many to join peaceful protests against systemic racism. However, these protests have escalated after President Trump’s controversial decision to deploy federal troops in the city.
These federal agents, known as “Trump’s troops” by protesters, have reported;y been deployed to protect monuments and federal buildings from damage, but some argue they have done more harm than good. Videos on social media platforms have shown unidentified federal agents arresting protestors in unmarked vehicles, presumably taking them away for questioning. Trump has painted these protesters as “thugs” and “anarchists” to justify his deployment of federal agents. Some have suggested that this is also a political move to portray his opponents, the Democratic Party, as incapable of protecting law and order. Trump has also recently stated that he will not hesitate to send officers to more US cities, specifically naming New York City, Chicago and Detroit: all cities run by Democrats.
The Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler, has called for state troops to leave the city, stating "they're not wanted here", as their presence has “sharply escalated the situation." The Portland Police Bureau has been issued two temporary restraining orders: the first reprimanded the PPB’s use of tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bangs. The second ordered the bureau to stop arresting journalists for recording the protests. State officials passed a bill that bans the use of tear gas, except in the case of a riot. Federal troops have continued to clash with protestors, throwing tear gas canisters, and rubber bullets.
Despite Portland’s progressive ideals, its history is tarnished with cases of Portland Police officers harassing and killing black residents, who account for just 5.7% of the city's population. In 2003, Kendra James was shot during a traffic stop. In 2017, 17 year old Quanice Hayes was shot while on his knees during an arrest. In both cases, the police officers responsible have not yet been reprimanded, nor prosecuted.
It seemed that the PPB’s history of violence has repeated itself during recent protests. On the 18th of July, a Navy veteran was pepper sprayed and beaten for attempting to talk to officers. This video has since gone viral, circulating on several social media platforms. Such proof of violence, alongside footage of the unidentifiable agents, has only caused more people take to the streets. Namely, a group of mothers calling themselves the “Wall of Moms”. Bev Barnum formed the group with around 70 mothers, who formed a human shield to protect the protestors from tear gas canisters. The activists are dressed in yellow, and have been heard to chant: "Feds stay clear. Moms are here", while others sing: "Hands up please, don't shoot me". Approximately 2000 women have since shown an interest in the movement.
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