AP file photo
The Portland Metro Chamber on Sunday issued an open letter warning that US President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy federal troops to the city would “undermine” Portland’s recovery and damage its reputation.The letter, signed by 110 community leaders and co-signed by Oregon governor Tina Kotek, senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, several House members, and Multnomah County chair Jessica Vega Pederson, said the city neither wants nor needs a federal military presence.“This deployment is unwanted, unneeded, and un-American in the city we call home,” mayor Keith Wilson said, as cited by ABC News. “Rather than engaging in a show of force, imagine the good that could be accomplished if the federal government sent engineers, teachers, or outreach workers to support our progress.”City leaders pointed to a recent decline in homicides and gun violence as evidence that local law enforcement and community partnerships are proving effective. They warned that federal intervention would disrupt this progress and harm the local economy.The letter also recalled the 2020 deployment of federal agents during protests, which it said “inflamed and extended” demonstrations and “compounded the harm to Portland.” Leaders urged the administration to “end outdated narratives and negative portrayals of the city.”Andrew Hoan, president of the Portland Metro Chamber, noted that cities such as Washington DC saw economic fallout during National Guard deployments. “Federal troops would directly threaten this progress and undermine the very momentum that’s attracting business activity and talent back to our city,” he said.Governor Kotek said Saturday that she “personally informed” Trump Portland does not need federal troops, following his announcement that soldiers would be sent to protect immigration facilities.On Saturday, Trump authorised the deployment of military forces to the city, citing a need to combat domestic terrorism after an increased presence of federal agents in the city.Senator Wyden warned Friday that “credible” reports suggest federal agents may be “replaying the 2020 playbook and surging into Portland with the goal of provoking conflict and violence.” He said he remains in “close contact” with state and local officials.
