U.S. Attorney Billy Williams demanded an investigation into the actions of federal officers who were videotaped arresting protesters in Portland, Oregon, and driving them off in unmarked vehicles.
In a statement released on Friday, Williams claimed officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection had acted inappropriately while clearing parts of the city streets this week.
“Based on news accounts circulating that allege federal law enforcement detained two protesters without probable cause, I have requested the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General to open a separate investigation directed specifically at the actions of DHS personnel,” Williams said in a statement.
One officer with the Marshals Service is under investigation for his actions on Saturday after a protester was wounded with an impact munition round.
Federal officers have protected the Mark O. Hatfield federal courthouse for much of the past two months, but Williams said that some officers might have participated in “limited instances” of questionable conduct while arresting civilians.
“(Federal officers) have rebuffed efforts to enter the building by force and have been met with an onslaught of commercial fireworks, laser strikes, glass, mortars, paint and anything else near at hand,” Williams said. “They have endeavored to find the individuals within the crowd who are committing these violent acts and arrest them in a manner that is safe for both the officers and nearby non-violent protesters.”
President Trump has chided Democratic politicians in Oregon and places across the United States as protesters wreak havoc on businesses and persons in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
On Thursday, acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan told Fox News that the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security will work together to “take a stand” against lawlessness in the streets.
