Dexter: “Authoritarians rely on fear to divide us. Portland will not give them that. We will not be intimidated.”

PORTLAND, OR - Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) released the following statement condemning the deployment of militarized federal agents to Portland:

"The President of the United States is directing his self-proclaimed 'Secretary of War' to unleash militarized federal forces in an American city he disagrees with. This is an egregious abuse of power and a betrayal of our most basic American values.

"Authoritarians rely on fear to divide us. Portland will not give them that. We will not be intimidated. We have prepared for this moment since Trump first took office, and we will meet it with every tool available to us: litigation, legislation, and the power of peaceful public pressure.

"Trump wants to tell a story about Portland that does not reflect who we are. The Portland we love is strong, compassionate, and steadfast in its commitment to protect our neighbors. We did not ask for federal agents, and we do not want them. Let me be clear: the Portland we love will not be divided by federal forces.

"This is what Trump wants: to divide and distract the nation from his failure to make life better for working people. Do not take the bait. Stay safe, stay peaceful, and stay together."

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