WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) issued the following statement today regarding the unconstitutional and violent tactics of federal agents in Portland, Oregon and President Trump's threats to deploy such federal troops to other American cities:

"The President has added an appalling layer of tension to our country by sending a black-booted, unidentified force seemingly put together by the Department of Homeland Security to Portland, Oregon where they have employed beatings, gassings, and kidnapping of protesters.

"A democracy does not have ‘Ministries of the Interior.' Dictatorships do. In the U.S., law enforcement in states is conducted by elected sheriffs, chiefs of police, and the National Guard.

"This unwarranted and unconstitutional force in camouflage should get out of Portland, and Congress must investigate the chain of command, who comprises this force that is unbadged, unidentified, and unnamed, how many tax dollars have been spent, and who gave this dangerous order."