Oregon — Oregon state Rep. Alek Skarlatos said he is standing with Republican colleagues in the House and Senate in support of law enforcement following a recent immigration enforcement incident in Portland that left two people injured.
In a public statement, Skarlatos said Oregon’s sanctuary policies have created unsafe conditions by limiting cooperation with federal authorities, arguing that “our communities and our streets should not be sanctuaries for criminals and dangerous trans-national gang members.”
The comments follow a targeted federal stop in East Portland during which Department of Homeland Security officials said two individuals were shot after allegedly attempting to ram federal officers with a vehicle while agents were executing a removal order. Federal officials have identified the individuals as suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang.
Skarlatos criticized what he described as a “knee-jerk reaction” from Democratic leaders, accusing them of defending individuals involved in violent criminal activity rather than supporting law enforcement officers carrying out their duties.
He specifically pointed to statements from Gov. Tina Kotek, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, saying Democratic leadership has consistently prioritized sanctuary policies over public safety.
According to Skarlatos, federal law enforcement agencies have arrested multiple violent offenders and suspected gang members in Oregon over the past year despite limited cooperation from state and local governments.
“It’s time for Democrat leadership to stand up for Oregonians and stop covering for violent illegal aliens,” Skarlatos said.
Democratic leaders have defended Oregon’s sanctuary laws, arguing they are intended to protect immigrant communities and encourage cooperation with local law enforcement, not shield violent criminals. State and federal investigations into the Portland incident are ongoing.
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