PORTLAND, Ore. – Mayor Ted Wheeler is being accused of violating the U.S. Constitution after city police didn't respond to some 911 calls placed by federal immigration employees during a five-week-long protest in Southwest Portland.
The union representing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees alleges Wheeler violated the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizens equal protection of law enforcement.
On June 20, the day the protest first shut down the ICE facility, Mayor Wheeler – who is also the police commissioner – announced he would not involve the city’s police department in the protest.
"I want to be very clear that I do not want the Portland police to be engaged or sucked into a conflict, particularly from a federal agency that I believe is on the wrong track. If they are looking for a bailout from this mayor, they are looking in the wrong place," Wheeler said.
Teddy doesn't seem to understand that as "police commissioner", his job is to maintain order based upon law, not upon his personal whim. Enforcement isn't a "bailout". By rights, he should be recalled now, rather than allowed to serve out the remainder of his term.
The letter demands Wheeler to make an apology and ensure the city’s police will protect all citizens in need, including those working for a federal agency. A letter advises that the city could be sued if the mayor’s response isn’t adequate.
These "peaceful protesters" were throwing boards with protruding nails at officers and staff, among other things, and Teddy supports them.
