DHS chief promises ‘we will not retreat’ from Portland despite criticism, tells rioters ‘find another line of work’

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."

"DHS and DOJ are engaged in acts that are horrific and outrageous in our constitutional democratic republic," Merkley said in a statement. "First, they are deploying paramilitary forces with no identification indicating who they are or who they work for. Second, these agents are snatching people off the street with no underlying justification. Both of these acts are profound offenses against Americans."

DHS officials on Tuesday reiterated that their mission was to protect federal property, and officers were not roaming the streets, although they did not rule out going after those who attacked the courthouse and then left federal property.