Oregon AG and DAs Threaten Prosecution of Federal Agents Over Excessive Force

Oregon's Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, alongside a coalition of district attorneys, issued a stern warning to federal agents, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating they could face investigation and prosecution for using excessive force. The warning, highlighted in a tweet by journalist Nicholas Kristof, specifically targets agents deployed to Portland amid ongoing protests. This move underscores a significant challenge to federal authority by state and local legal officials.

The announcement, made in July 2020, emphasized that federal agents are not exempt from Oregon state law. Attorney General Rosenblum stated her office's intention to collaborate with local district attorneys to hold federal personnel accountable for any alleged misconduct. "Oregon's attorney general and DA's warn that they will investigate and prosecute ICE agents if they continue to use excessive force," Kristof reported on social media.

This declaration came during a period of heightened tensions in Portland, where federal agents were deployed to protect federal property, leading to clashes with protesters. Numerous reports of agents using tear gas, crowd control munitions, and making arrests without clear identification sparked widespread criticism and legal challenges. The state's legal leadership asserted its jurisdiction to address actions taken within Oregon's borders, regardless of federal affiliation.

The warning from Oregon's top legal officials sets a precedent for state-level oversight of federal law enforcement actions, particularly concerning civil liberties and use-of-force protocols. It signals a robust defense of state sovereignty and an intent to ensure accountability for all individuals operating within Oregon, regardless of their employer. The implications extend to ongoing debates about federal intervention in local affairs and the boundaries of state and federal legal authority.