This Abridge News topic aggregates four unique arguments on different sides of the debate. Here are the quick facts to get you started:
THE QUICK FACTS
- During the week of July 15th, camouflaged federal agents began arresting protesters in Portland, Oregon off the streets and taking them into unmarked vans. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the federal agency tasked with securing the border, claimed responsibility for many of the arrests.
- Federal agents also shot tear gas at protesters this week following attempts to break into a federal courthouse. The protests in Portland have been ongoing since the murder of George Floyd in late May and have escalated in recent weeks.
- The CBP said it acted under the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Protecting American Communities Task Force (PACT), which began addressing civil unrest in July following an executive order.
- While some local officials have asked DHS to remove its agents, acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf stated that he does not need "invitations by the state, state mayors or state governors" to "do our job." President Trump has since suggested sending federal agents to additional cities with ongoing protests.
CLICK TO VIEW OPINIONS ranging from Critical of Federal Agents to Supportive of Federal Agents