Civil Rights

Oregon's congressional delegation on Wednesday formally requested an investigation into the response by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Justice Department to the riots in Portland -- after DHS pledged not to back down.

The state's Democratic congressional lawmakers -- Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici -- last week asked both DHS and Justice Dept. offices of Inspector General to investigate the "unrequested presence and violent actions of federal forces in Portland."

Her synagogue, which has also counted Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici as members, has a history of encouraging public service. Another longtime congregant and local elected official, Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran, was teargassed during protests on Saturday night, according to an account she posted on Twitter.

Four of Oregon's federal representatives want investigations into the "unrequested presence and violent actions of federal forces in Portland." Additionally, the US Attorney for Oregon also wants an investigation into the actions of Homeland Security personnel.

In a tweet Monday afternoon, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf defended the actions of federal officers.

"Attempted arson is not a peaceful protest. Physically attacking law enforcement is not freedom of speech. Destruction of property is not peaceful assembly. Criminals perpetrating these crimes are being arrested not law abiding protestors," he wrote.

Oregon leaders and other state leaders are seeking to block the Trump administration from deploying federal officers in U.S. cities.