DHS Chief Travels to Portland, Says City is ‘Under Siege’

Mayor refuses to meet, calls for withdrawal of all federal officers

Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf meets with federal officers in Portland in an undated photograph released July 17, 2020. Department of Homeland Security

The acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chief traveled to Portland late Thursday as violent demonstrations unfolded in the Oregon city for the 50th consecutive night.

Chad Wolf said in a statement before arriving that Portland is “under siege ... by a violent mob while local political leaders refuse to restore order to protect their city.”