PORTLAND, Ore. — In a tense incident unfolding on Thursday, federal immigration officers shot and wounded two individuals outside a hospital in Portland, Oregon. This incident came just a day after a similar escalation occurred when an officer fatally shot a woman during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.
The FBI's Portland office has confirmed that they are investigating the shooting, which took place around 2:15 PM. Initially, local police were alerted to a shooting near the hospital and subsequently found two people in need of assistance a couple of miles away, both with gunshot wounds.
The conditions of the injured individuals are currently unclear, but local Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney stated during a city council meeting that both are still alive and the community is hoping for positive updates soon.
This incident adds to the already strained relationship between federal immigration authorities and Portland residents, especially following a series of contentious actions taken by the federal government under President Trump. Just recently, there were failed attempts to deploy National Guard troops in the city, underlining the ongoing concerns regarding federal presence in local communities.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, along with other city leaders, called for the immediate suspension of all federal enforcement operations in the city until the investigation is concluded. “We must remain peaceful and united as elected officials, standing against mounting bloodshed and the erosion of constitutional protections in our community. Portland is not a training ground for militarized agents,” the mayor stated.
Community leaders are urging residents to respond to this crisis with calmness and purpose, emphasizing a commitment to justice and the protection of civil and human rights. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley echoed these sentiments, warning against provocative actions and urging the public to remain peaceful in their protests.
As local officials continue to navigate this crisis, the focus remains on ensuring community safety and advocating for the rights of all residents amidst growing tensions with federal authorities.
