Avalos Responds to Trump Deployment of Federal Agents

City Councilor Candace Avalos reacted strongly to President Trump's plan to send federal agents to Portland, emphasizing the city's commitment to justice and community solidarity. Reflecting on the protests of 2020, Avalos highlighted the moral obligation felt by residents to stand against injustice. She accused the Trump administration of attempting to use Portland as a backdrop for authoritarian propaganda. Avalos urged residents to report sightings of federal agents and to support vulnerable neighbors, particularly during this tense period. She reassured the public of their rights under local, state, and federal law regarding free speech and assembly.

Additionally, Avalos mentioned the need for precautions like using phone passwords instead of biometric IDs. She reiterated her promise to East Portland, stating that the community will not be bullied into silence. Avalos's statement underscores the ongoing conflict between local governance and federal authority in the context of civil rights.