The Dems have been highly critical of the idea of DHS entering more cities to quell violence, but acting DHS chief Chad Wolf says he does not need their permission.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib wrote on Monday: “They’ll have to arrest me first if they think they’re going to illegally lay their hands on my residents.”
The same morning, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also spoke out, tweeting: “Mr. President or not—I don’t care one bit what your name is. I will not allow troops in Chicago, and I will do everything in my power to stop you.”
The Insider reported that speaking on Fox News Monday morning, Wolf blamed state leaders for the ongoing protests that has prompted the deployment of DHS agents to federal buildings last week, including a courthouse in Portland, Oregon.
State leaders have “fostered this environment that allows these individuals to attack the courthouse,” Wolf said during the interview, adding that,”I don’t need invitations by the state, state mayors, or state governors to do our job.”
“We’re going to do that, whether they like us there or not,” Wolf said. “That’s our responsibility.”
Wolf’s remarks come as protests persist throughout the country after the death of George Floyd in May. In Portland, the ongoing protests have continued past its 50th day, where public buildings have been defaced and some protesters have clashed with local and state law enforcement officials.
“Each night, lawless anarchists destroy and desecrate property, including the federal courthouse, and attack the brave law enforcement officers protecting it,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.
“This siege can end if state and local officials decide to take appropriate action instead of refusing to enforce the law. DHS will not abdicate its solemn duty to protect federal facilities and those within them.”
