buzzfeed--2020-07-21--Trump Doesn’t Want Undocumented Immigrants To Count In Deciding How Many Seats States Get In Congres

Trump Doesn’t Want Undocumented Immigrants To Count In Deciding How Many Seats States Get In Congress

President Donald Trump signed a memo Tuesday that would exclude millions of undocumented immigrants from being counted when congressional districts are revised following the 2020 Census .
The move marks the latest attempt by the Trump administration to use the census to target undocumented immigrants , and is expected to face legal challenges .
Excluding undocumented immigrants from the census could put some states at risk of losing voting power in Congress , and have ripple effects in terms of how and where district lines are drawn .
Trump ’ s memo said the US Constitution did not specifically define @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in congressional reapportionment and that the executive branch has final say in who is considered an inhabitant of the state , including the authority to exclude undocumented immigrants .
“ For the purpose of the reapportionment of Representatives following the 2020 census , it is the policy of the United States to exclude from the apportionment base aliens who are not in a lawful immigration status under the Immigration and Nationality Act , ” the memo states .
Trump said his administration would not support giving congressional representation to undocumented immigrants .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you could proudly declare , ‘ I am a citizen of the United States.
’ But now , the radical left is trying to erase the existence of this concept , ” Trump said in a statement .
“ This is all part of a broader left-wing effort to erode the rights of Americans citizens , and I will not stand for it.
” Every 10 years , the Census Bureau counts every person , citizen or noncitizen , living in the US , regardless of whether they 're authorized to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated there were about 10.5 million undocumented immigrants in the US .
The US Constitution says , “ Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers , counting the whole number of persons in each State . ''
Thomas Saenz , president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund , in a statement said the Supreme Court has long held that persons are persons under the Constitution , regardless of immigration status .
`` This memorandum will be swiftly struck down by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Today ’ s memorandum will end up in the dustbin of history as yet another exemplar of Donald Trump ’ s disturbing embrace of white nationalism .
It will stand as another shameful monument to his attempts to sow division in our nation ’ s populace .
It will earn recognition as another unmasking of Trump ’ s perverse and damaging 'leadership . '
'' Trump ’ s memo doesn ’ t change how the census is carried out — undocumented immigrants can still respond to the survey — but it undercuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undocumented immigrants can benefit .
Census data on population are used to determine the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives , which in turn affects how many votes they get in the Electoral College .
Census data is also used to calculate how billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed to states , but it was not immediately clear if Trump ’ s memo would affect that .
Trump ’ s memo made clear that this latest action is intended to punish states with larger populations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lean Democratic .
The memo refers to an unnamed state that has an estimated population of 2.2 million undocumented immigrants , which according to the Pew Research Center is likely California , where state officials have repeatedly sued the Trump administration to challenge immigration-related and other policies .
“ States adopting policies that encourage illegal aliens to enter this country and that hobble Federal efforts to enforce the immigration laws passed by the Congress should not be rewarded with greater representation in the House of Representatives , ” the memo states .
Previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add a citizenship question to the 2020 census form , an effort that civil rights groups and the Census Bureau itself predicted would depress response rates and lead to less accurate data .
Following that loss , the administration has turned to other sources to gather data on the population of undocumented immigrants in the United States .
NPR reported this week that the administration was entering into agreements with some states to get driver ’ s license and other identification card information to build out its database of citizenship records .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a separate survey sent to a smaller pool of households each year .
The White House lost the fight over the citizenship question in June 2019 , when the Supreme Court ruled in a 5–4 decision that the reason the administration gave for adding the question — enforcing voting rights — was “ contrived ” and didn ’ t line up with the evidence .
The Supreme Court sent the case back to the Commerce Department , which later , along with the Justice Department , said the 2020 Census would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brief period , Trump insisted his administration would try to find a way to include the question — contradicting the commerce and justice departments — but ultimately dropped the issue .
There were signs at the time , however , that the administration was open to the argument that the federal government couldn ’ t use data on undocumented immigrants for apportionment purposes .
When the Trump administration announced that it would give up on the citizenship question , Attorney General Bill Barr said that they were “ studying the issue ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the government used census population data to decide how to allocate federal funding and divide up congressional districts .
Since 2018 , the administration has been in court defending itself against a lawsuit filed by state lawmakers in Alabama seeking to block the federal government from including undocumented immigrants in data used to determine congressional seats and Electoral College votes .
But the federal judge presiding over the litigation described the government ’ s efforts in the case as “ half-hearted , ” and allowed Democratic state attorneys general to intervene to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alabama survived an early attempt by the administration to have the lawsuit dismissed — the judge concluded state lawmakers had standing to sue — but the judge has yet to rule on the substance of the fight .
Alabama is arguing that when the Constitution states that the federal government has an obligation to count “ persons in each State , ” it only applies to people who are lawfully in the country .
The Census Bureau has long taken the position that every person living in the United States is included in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the agency ’ s website titled “ Setting the Record Straight , ” the agency explicitly says that noncitizens are included .
The only exception that the bureau articulates is for foreign citizens who are temporarily in the United States for “ vacation or business.
” “ Everyone counts .
The 2020 Census counts everyone living in the country , including non-citizens , ” the bureau states .
An analysis from the George Washington Institute of Public Policy found that federal programs relied on the census to distribute $ 1.5 trillion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonprofits , and households across the US .
The number of undocumented immigrants living in the US has fallen to a 13-year low .
In 2017 , there were 10.5 million undocumented immigrants in the US , down from its peak of 12.2 million in 2007 , according to the Pew Research Center .
The number is the lowest since 2004 , when the US was home to 10.7 million undocumented immigrants .
While some states with the largest undocumented populations saw declines in their overall numbers , places like Louisiana , Maryland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Dakota saw increases .

President Donald Trump signed a memo Tuesday that would exclude millions of undocumented immigrants from being counted when congressional districts are revised following the 2020 Census.
The move marks the latest attempt by the Trump administration to use the census to target undocumented immigrants, and is expected to face legal challenges. Excluding undocumented immigrants from the census could put some states at risk of losing voting power in Congress, and have ripple effects in terms of how and where district lines are drawn.
Trump’s memo said the US Constitution did not specifically define “which person must be included” in congressional reapportionment and that the executive branch has final say in who is considered an inhabitant of the state, including the authority to exclude undocumented immigrants.
“For the purpose of the reapportionment of Representatives following the 2020 census, it is the policy of the United States to exclude from the apportionment base aliens who are not in a lawful immigration status under the Immigration and Nationality Act,” the memo states.
Trump said his administration would not support giving congressional representation to undocumented immigrants.
“There used to be a time when you could proudly declare, ‘I am a citizen of the United States.’ But now, the radical left is trying to erase the existence of this concept,” Trump said in a statement. “This is all part of a broader left-wing effort to erode the rights of Americans citizens, and I will not stand for it.”
Every 10 years, the Census Bureau counts every person, citizen or noncitizen, living in the US, regardless of whether they're authorized to be in the country. The Pew Research Center estimated there were about 10.5 million undocumented immigrants in the US.
The US Constitution says, “Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State."
Thomas Saenz, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, in a statement said the Supreme Court has long held that persons are persons under the Constitution, regardless of immigration status.
"This memorandum will be swiftly struck down by the federal courts," Saenz said. "Today’s memorandum will end up in the dustbin of history as yet another exemplar of Donald Trump’s disturbing embrace of white nationalism. It will stand as another shameful monument to his attempts to sow division in our nation’s populace. It will earn recognition as another unmasking of Trump’s perverse and damaging 'leadership.'"
Trump’s memo doesn’t change how the census is carried out — undocumented immigrants can still respond to the survey — but it undercuts how much states with large populations of undocumented immigrants can benefit. Census data on population are used to determine the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives, which in turn affects how many votes they get in the Electoral College. Census data is also used to calculate how billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed to states, but it was not immediately clear if Trump’s memo would affect that.
Trump’s memo made clear that this latest action is intended to punish states with larger populations of undocumented immigrants, and specifically those that lean Democratic. The memo refers to an unnamed state that has an estimated population of 2.2 million undocumented immigrants, which according to the Pew Research Center is likely California, where state officials have repeatedly sued the Trump administration to challenge immigration-related and other policies.
“States adopting policies that encourage illegal aliens to enter this country and that hobble Federal efforts to enforce the immigration laws passed by the Congress should not be rewarded with greater representation in the House of Representatives,” the memo states.
Previously, the administration had unsuccessfully tried to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census form, an effort that civil rights groups and the Census Bureau itself predicted would depress response rates and lead to less accurate data.
Following that loss, the administration has turned to other sources to gather data on the population of undocumented immigrants in the United States. NPR reported this week that the administration was entering into agreements with some states to get driver’s license and other identification card information to build out its database of citizenship records. The Census Bureau does ask about citizenship as part of a separate survey sent to a smaller pool of households each year.
The White House lost the fight over the citizenship question in June 2019, when the Supreme Court ruled in a 5–4 decision that the reason the administration gave for adding the question — enforcing voting rights — was “contrived” and didn’t line up with the evidence. The Supreme Court sent the case back to the Commerce Department, which later, along with the Justice Department, said the 2020 Census would proceed without a citizenship question.
For a brief period, Trump insisted his administration would try to find a way to include the question — contradicting the commerce and justice departments — but ultimately dropped the issue. There were signs at the time, however, that the administration was open to the argument that the federal government couldn’t use data on undocumented immigrants for apportionment purposes.
When the Trump administration announced that it would give up on the citizenship question, Attorney General Bill Barr said that they were “studying the issue” of whether undocumented immigrants could be included when the government used census population data to decide how to allocate federal funding and divide up congressional districts.
Since 2018, the administration has been in court defending itself against a lawsuit filed by state lawmakers in Alabama seeking to block the federal government from including undocumented immigrants in data used to determine congressional seats and Electoral College votes. But the federal judge presiding over the litigation described the government’s efforts in the case as “half-hearted,” and allowed Democratic state attorneys general to intervene to separately fight Alabama’s case.
Alabama survived an early attempt by the administration to have the lawsuit dismissed — the judge concluded state lawmakers had standing to sue — but the judge has yet to rule on the substance of the fight. Alabama is arguing that when the Constitution states that the federal government has an obligation to count “persons in each State,” it only applies to people who are lawfully in the country.
The Census Bureau has long taken the position that every person living in the United States is included in the decennial census. In a section of the agency’s website titled “Setting the Record Straight,” the agency explicitly says that noncitizens are included. The only exception that the bureau articulates is for foreign citizens who are temporarily in the United States for “vacation or business.”
“Everyone counts. The 2020 Census counts everyone living in the country, including non-citizens,” the bureau states.
An analysis from the George Washington Institute of Public Policy found that federal programs relied on the census to distribute $1.5 trillion to state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and households across the US.
The number of undocumented immigrants living in the US has fallen to a 13-year low. In 2017, there were 10.5 million undocumented immigrants in the US, down from its peak of 12.2 million in 2007, according to the Pew Research Center. The number is the lowest since 2004, when the US was home to 10.7 million undocumented immigrants.
While some states with the largest undocumented populations saw declines in their overall numbers, places like Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Dakota, and South Dakota saw increases.


buzzfeed--2020-07-21--Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Hit Back After A GOP Lawmaker Allegedly Called Her A Sexist Slur

A Republican member of Congress reportedly called Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a `` fucking bitch '' after he criticized the New York City Democrat 's stance on crime and policing during a confrontation on Capitol Hill .
The Hill reported that Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida accosted Ocasio-Cortez on a flight of stairs Monday as she was on her way to vote .
`` You are out of your freaking mind , '' Yoho reportedly said , referring to her recent comments attributing a rise in crime in New York City to unemployment , poverty , and `` economic desperation '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After Ocasio-Cortez told Yoho he was being `` rude , '' the Florida lawmaker then called her a `` fucking bitch '' once they parted ways , according to the Hill .
In a statement to BuzzFeed News , Yoho 's office acknowledged he and Ocasio-Cortez had `` a brief member to member conversation , '' but denied he had said the slur .
`` He did not call Rep. Ocasio-Cortez what has been reported in the Hill or any name for that matter , '' Brian Kaveney , Yoho 's communications director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It sounds better for the Hill newspaper and gets more media attention to say he called her a name - which he did not do . ''
`` We stand by our story 100 percent , '' Bob Cusack , editor in chief of the Hill , told BuzzFeed News .
After the Hill published its story on Tuesday morning , Ocasio-Cortez tweeted that she had never previously spoken to Yoho before `` he decided to accost '' her .
`` But hey , '' she added , `` ' b*tches ' get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of confrontation has n't ever happened to me — ever , '' she also told the Hill .
`` I 've never had that kind of abrupt , disgusting kind of disrespect levied at me . ''
Ocasio-Cortez also criticized Republican Rep. Roger Williams of Texas , who was close enough to witness the exchange and told the Hill that he did n't pay attention to what happened because he was `` was thinking about some issues I 've got in my district that need to get done . ''
`` Got ta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : when he undeniably sees another man engaged in virulent harassment of a young woman , just pretend you never saw it in the most cartoonish manner possible and keep pushing , '' she tweeted .
She also said that Williams criticized her during the exchange .
Kaveney , the Yoho spokesperson , accused Ocasio-Cortez of exploiting the Hill report , which he insisted was false .
`` It is unfortunate that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez is using this exchange to gain personal attention , '' he said .
`` Instead , he made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away summarizing what he believes her polices to be : bullshit . ''
During a Tuesday press conference , House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he will meet with Yoho to discuss the incident .
“ We think everybody should show respect to one another and not knowing what took place I ’ ll have a discussion with him to see what happened , '' he said .
GOP Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida also defended Ocasio-Cortez in a tweet , saying , `` She is not a bitch . ''

"That kind of confrontation hasn't ever happened to me — ever," she also told the Hill. "I've never had that kind of abrupt, disgusting kind of disrespect levied at me."
Ocasio-Cortez also criticized Republican Rep. Roger Williams of Texas, who was close enough to witness the exchange and told the Hill that he didn't pay attention to what happened because he was "was thinking about some issues I've got in my district that need to get done."
"Gotta love Republican courage from Rep @RogerWilliamsTX: when he undeniably sees another man engaged in virulent harassment of a young woman, just pretend you never saw it in the most cartoonish manner possible and keep pushing," she tweeted. She also said that Williams criticized her during the exchange.
Kaveney, the Yoho spokesperson, accused Ocasio-Cortez of exploiting the Hill report, which he insisted was false.
"It is unfortunate that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez is using this exchange to gain personal attention," he said. "Instead, he made a brief comment to himself as he walked away summarizing what he believes her polices to be: bullshit."
During a Tuesday press conference, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he will meet with Yoho to discuss the incident. “We think everybody should show respect to one another and not knowing what took place I’ll have a discussion with him to see what happened," he said.
GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida also defended Ocasio-Cortez in a tweet, saying, "She is not a bitch."


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--Katy Perry Opened Up About Her Experience With Depression And Feeling "Ashamed" For Taking Medicatio

Katy Perry Opened Up About Her Experience With Depression And Feeling "Ashamed" For Taking Medication

Despite Witness topping the Billboard 200 in the US , it quickly fell away in its second week , dropping @ @ @ @ @ entirely .
Critically , the album was given a somewhat lukewarm reception .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ loop of being a really desperate , thirsty pop star that felt like they had @ @ @ @ @ the time , '' Katy told Howard of the album .
`` Now I feel @ @ @ @ @ be more dimensional as an artist and also as a human being . ''

In fact, the success of Witness, or lack thereof, led to a bout of depression so serious that Katy found herself unable to get out of bed. Things were only made worse by the fact that her usual sanctuary — music — was now seemingly the catalyst for her struggles.


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--Anna Camp Believes She Contracted The Coronavirus After Not Wearing A Mask "One Time"

`` I was incredibly safe , '' she wrote .
`` I wore a mask .
I used hand sanitiser @ @ @ @ @ the world was starting to open up , I decided to forgo wearing my mask @ @ @ @ @ Time .
And I ended up getting it . ''
`` I believe it may @ @ @ @ @ one time , '' she added .
Camp later clarified in an Instagram story that @ @ @ @ @ contracted the virus on the day she left the house without a mask , she @ @ @ @ @ .

In the post , Camp said that she has since tested negative for the disease, but she still has "lingering symptoms" after being "extremely sick for over three weeks".


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--Dr. Fauci Still Gets Support From Senate Republicans Even After White House Attacks

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are backing Anthony Fauci , saying they have full confidence in his expertise .
But they ’ re largely staying silent on the attacks to his credibility from inside the White House , with some senators brushing off the smears as fair game .
BuzzFeed News asked a cross section of more than a dozen Republican senators about Fauci , ranging from party leaders to moderates to more hardline conservatives .
He received unanimous support .
In recent days , White House staffers have drafted talking points attacking Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mocking the doctor .
Peter Navarro , an adviser to Trump , penned an op-ed in USA Today titled “ Anthony Fauci Has Been Wrong About Everything I Have Interacted With Him On.
” Fauci has been shut out from White House press conferences .
Trump took the podium by himself Tuesday ; when asked why Fauci and Deborah Birx were not present , the president responded , “ Well , Dr. Birx is right outside.
” Fauci has been less vocal , though he told the Atlantic the attacks against him were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure in many circles and will toss out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals season opener this week .
Fauci has consistently been more pessimistic on COVID-19 projections than the president , who has pushed for reopening and repeatedly argued the coronavirus will disappear .
As a result , Trump versus Fauci has become part of the country ’ s political divide .
“ I think Fauci has become emblematic of what tribe you ’ re in and what side you ’ re on in a political civil war , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticize Fauci ’ s credibility and in fact expressed support for him — but he did object to what he described as people placing an almost religious level of faith in the epidemiologist ’ s statements .
“ I have no problem with his being one of many voices in the discussion , but he ’ s treated almost like this talisman , ” said Cruz .
Trump ’ s more fervent followers in the House of Representatives are taking up the fight over Fauci ’ s credibility .
Republican Rep. Liz Cheney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right Freedom Caucus for being too supportive of Fauci at a caucus meeting Tuesday , Politico reported .
But that political divide does not extend to the Senate , where Fauci still receives broad bipartisan praise .
“ I have great confidence in his professionalism and integrity , ” said John Barrasso , a member of Senate leadership .
Sen. Mitt Romney called Fauci “ a treasure and an extraordinary voice on matters relating to his expertise.
” Sen. Susan Collins said America is lucky to have him .
Some senators did temper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one voice of many that should be heard , but even they praised his knowledge as an epidemiologist .
“ He should be at the table .
His input is important , ” said Sen. Marco Rubio .
Asked if it is appropriate for White House staffers to attack the credibility of the nation ’ s leading epidemiologist , Republicans responded cautiously .
“ There are , I ’ m sure , differences of points of view within the administration , ” said Sen. John Thune , the majority whip .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s probably advisable to publicly pick a fight with someone who has that kind of credibility.
” Sen. Bill Cassidy , a physician , expressed his support in Fauci , calling him “ great.
” Asked about the assaults on the public health expert ’ s reputation , Cassidy said he didn ’ t want to get involved .
“ This is politics .
This is big leagues , so people may attack him , ” he said .
“ I ’ ll just reiterate my personal support for him.
” Some Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of heated interpersonal debates that come with working in the highest levels of government .
But Sen. John Cornyn did say of Navarro ’ s USA Today op-ed , “ I think it ’ s completely unnecessary.
” Fauci doesn ’ t seem to be going anywhere .
Trump can not fire him directly .
Romney said he ’ s heard no talk of the president trying to pressure him to step down , adding that he would be shocked if that were the case .
Trump ’ s chief of staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while darting between meetings on Capitol Hill this week .
He attributed the controversy to “ some statements publicly that have been made ” and the White House does not have any deep-seated opposition to Fauci .
Asked if he has faith in Fauci , Meadows responded , “ As an epidemiologist ?
Sure .
”

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are backing Anthony Fauci, saying they have full confidence in his expertise. But they’re largely staying silent on the attacks to his credibility from inside the White House, with some senators brushing off the smears as fair game.
BuzzFeed News asked a cross section of more than a dozen Republican senators about Fauci, ranging from party leaders to moderates to more hardline conservatives. He received unanimous support.
In recent days, White House staffers have drafted talking points attacking Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease specialist, and shared a cartoon mocking the doctor. Peter Navarro, an adviser to Trump, penned an op-ed in USA Today titled “Anthony Fauci Has Been Wrong About Everything I Have Interacted With Him On.”
Fauci has been shut out from White House press conferences. Trump took the podium by himself Tuesday; when asked why Fauci and Deborah Birx were not present, the president responded, “Well, Dr. Birx is right outside.”
Fauci has been less vocal, though he told the Atlantic the attacks against him were “bizarre.” He remains a heroic figure in many circles and will toss out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals season opener this week.
Fauci has consistently been more pessimistic on COVID-19 projections than the president, who has pushed for reopening and repeatedly argued the coronavirus will disappear. As a result, Trump versus Fauci has become part of the country’s political divide.
“I think Fauci has become emblematic of what tribe you’re in and what side you’re on in a political civil war,” said Sen. Ted Cruz.
He did not criticize Fauci’s credibility and in fact expressed support for him — but he did object to what he described as people placing an almost religious level of faith in the epidemiologist’s statements. “I have no problem with his being one of many voices in the discussion, but he’s treated almost like this talisman,” said Cruz.
Trump’s more fervent followers in the House of Representatives are taking up the fight over Fauci’s credibility. Republican Rep. Liz Cheney was blasted by members of the hard right Freedom Caucus for being too supportive of Fauci at a caucus meeting Tuesday, Politico reported.
But that political divide does not extend to the Senate, where Fauci still receives broad bipartisan praise.
“I have great confidence in his professionalism and integrity,” said John Barrasso, a member of Senate leadership.
Sen. Mitt Romney called Fauci “a treasure and an extraordinary voice on matters relating to his expertise.” Sen. Susan Collins said America is lucky to have him.
Some senators did temper their support by saying he is only one voice of many that should be heard, but even they praised his knowledge as an epidemiologist. “He should be at the table. His input is important,” said Sen. Marco Rubio.
Asked if it is appropriate for White House staffers to attack the credibility of the nation’s leading epidemiologist, Republicans responded cautiously.
“There are, I’m sure, differences of points of view within the administration,” said Sen. John Thune, the majority whip. “But I don’t think it’s probably advisable to publicly pick a fight with someone who has that kind of credibility.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician, expressed his support in Fauci, calling him “great.” Asked about the assaults on the public health expert’s reputation, Cassidy said he didn’t want to get involved.
“This is politics. This is big leagues, so people may attack him,” he said. “I’ll just reiterate my personal support for him.”
Some Republicans chalked up the anti-Fauci statements as the type of heated interpersonal debates that come with working in the highest levels of government. But Sen. John Cornyn did say of Navarro’s USA Today op-ed, “I think it’s completely unnecessary.”
Fauci doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Trump cannot fire him directly. Romney said he’s heard no talk of the president trying to pressure him to step down, adding that he would be shocked if that were the case.
Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, downplayed the issue while darting between meetings on Capitol Hill this week. He attributed the controversy to “some statements publicly that have been made” and the White House does not have any deep-seated opposition to Fauci.
Asked if he has faith in Fauci, Meadows responded, “As an epidemiologist? Sure.”


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Hit Back After A GOP Lawmaker Allegedly Called Her A Sexist Slur


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--Katy Perry Said That Writing "Firework" Made Her Feel "Ashamed" Of Taking Medication For Her Depress

Katy Perry Said That Writing "Firework" Made Her Feel "Ashamed" Of Taking Medication For Her Depression

Despite Witness topping the Billboard 200 in the US , it quickly fell away in its second week , dropping @ @ @ @ @ entirely .
Critically , the album was given a somewhat lukewarm reception .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ loop of being a really desperate , thirsty pop star that felt like they had @ @ @ @ @ all the time , '' Katy told Howard of the album .
`` Now I @ @ @ @ @ and be more dimensional as an artist and also as a human being . ''


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--Anna Camp Revealed She Tested Positive For COVID-19 And Opened Up About Her "Persistent" And "Stress

Anna Camp Revealed She Tested Positive For COVID-19 And Opened Up About Her "Persistent" And "Stressful" Symptoms


buzzfeed--2020-07-23--Halsey Posted A Statement About Mental Health In The Wake Of Kanye West's Viral Tweets, And It's So

Halsey Posted A Statement About Mental Health In The Wake Of Kanye West's Viral Tweets, And It's So Important

Yesterday , Kanye West fired off a series of concerning tweets , in which he claimed that his wife , @ @ @ @ @ to get him `` locked up '' and seemed to criticize her for her past @ @ @ @ @ cover .
He also said that Kim 's mom , Kris Jenner , was `` @ @ @ @ @ ] children . ''

Yesterday, Kanye West fired off a series of concerning tweets , in which he claimed that his wife, Kim Kardashian, was trying to get him "locked up" and seemed to criticize her for her past leaked sex tape and Playboy cover. He also said that Kim's mom, Kris Jenner, was "not allowed around [his] children."


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--I Just Cleaned My Apartment After Months Of Quarantine; Here's What I Learned

IDK about you , but March felt three months long and I ca n't tell you a single thing I @ @ @ @ @ means that as summer rolled around and I gained a little more energy , I @ @ @ @ @ to notice the couch was covered in crumbs , the shower curtain had mildew , @ @ @ @ @ low-grade chaos behind a door .
It took some time ( and it 's still @ @ @ @ @ my partner and I have been slowly tidying up our place , room by room @ @ @ @ @ levels went down and it was worth the effort , but it took a little @ @ @ @ @ to tackle , well , everything .

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buzzfeed--2020-07-22--If You Wear N95 Masks, You Can Clean Them In An Instant Pot

For the elevated surface , use the trivet that came with your Instant Pot .
If you need to boost @ @ @ @ @ trivet on top of binder clips or on a coiled base of aluminum foil .

For the latter, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security , there's an easy at-home method to clean and decontaminate N95s. And all you need is one thing...


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--“Black Lives Matter,” Say These Companies That Sell Skin Lightening Products

`` We believe Black people should have the right to live without fear , ” wrote Olay on Instagram — at the same time it sold `` White Radiance Light Perfecting Essence . ''
On June 3 , US skincare brand Olay posted a message in support of a newly trendy topic for cosmetic companies : racial justice .
“ Black Lives Matter , ” the caption reads .
“ We stand against racism and injustice .
We believe Black people should have the right to live without fear.
” Olay and its parent company , consumer products giant Procter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to an anti-racism fund .
( Procter & Gamble reported annual sales of more than $ 67 billion in 2019 . )
But a few days later , the Olay Malaysia Instagram account sent a very different message .
In a repost of her April 15 sponcon , a smiling Malaysian influencer wearing a white hijab promotes a product called “ White Radiance Light Perfecting Essence '' — a product Olay says provides “ dual whitening action ” for “ luminous fairness '' and `` inhibits melanin formation in the deepest layer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises to inhibit the production of melanin — the natural pigment that gives human skin its color — and banish “ dulling yellow skin ” to produce a “ smoother , fresher , whiter and more translucent complexion , ” according to Olay 's website in the Philippines .
It contains niacinamide , which is used for fading hyperpigmentation , among other uses .
“ I see total hypocrisy , ” said Joanne Rondilla , a professor of sociology at San Jose State University whose research has focused on skin lightening in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skincare industry herself .
“ The optimist in me says I appreciate the sentiment , but none of this matters if you ’ re not going to put an actual plan in place.
” An Olay spokesperson told BuzzFeed News that the company , which does not sell skin whitening products in the US , believes that there needs to be a “ more diverse and inclusive standard of beauty , ” comparing its skin lightening products to tanners or makeup .
“ How each person defines beauty is a choice .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or makeup to achieve a darker skin tone , while others are looking to even dark spots and preserve their natural skin tone , ” the spokesperson said .
“ In Asia , where these products are predominantly sold , many people describe their skin tone as ‘ yellowing ’ as they age and are seeking products to help restore their natural skin tone.
” Olay is one of the many leading American and European beauty brands that sell skin whitening products , mostly to customers in Asia and Africa , while proclaiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests in the United States .
As the purchasing power of consumer classes in countries like India , Indonesia , China , Nigeria , and Ghana has grown , skin whitening has become a multibillion-dollar market , dominated by multinational conglomerates like Procter & Gamble , Unilever , L ’ Oréal , and Johnson & Johnson .
Olay was not the only brand to publicly support Black Lives Matter while also selling skin lightening products .
Johnson & Johnson , another consumer products giant , also sells fairness creams in Asia ( Fairness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The company ’ s skincare brand Neutrogena sells a product called `` Fine Fairness Overnight Brightening Cream '' in its Malaysian online store that includes “ white lily extract ” to achieve “ long lasting fairness.
” According to Neutrogena ’ s website , one of the product ’ s benefits is that it “ restores skin ’ s natural whitening power.
” The brand said on June 2 on Instagram that it would donate $ 200,000 to the NAACP and Black Lives Matter , adding , “ We have a responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against systemic racism.
” In response to questions from BuzzFeed News , a spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson said the company has decided to discontinue the Fine Fairness line , which was available in India and Southeast Asia among other markets , adding , “ This product uses a retinol formula to lighten stubborn dark spots — it does not bleach the skin.
” The company said it made the decision based on conversations with retailers .
Products aimed at lightening skin tones range from skin bleaching creams , often using a chemical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to products branded as natural or nonprescription strength including kojic acid , licorice root , and bearberry , according to Suzanne Friedler , a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC .
“ In many places outside the US , questionable ingredients such as corticosteroids , mercury , hydrogen peroxide , and glutathione may be found in lightening agents , ” she said .
“ These products have the potential to damage and thin out the skin.
” Many countries , including in Asia and Africa , have looser regulations on nonprescription skincare products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not every country requires cosmetics companies to disclose the ingredients of their products .
So it ’ s tough to tell which products contain what skin lightening ingredients , even when the products promise to lighten skin tone .
But advocates say that even marketing that references skin whitening is harmful because it drives demand for more dangerous products and reinforces the notion that whiter is better .
In the US and Europe , companies are more likely to advertise products using words like “ brightening ” or “ spot reducing.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Garnier , a brand owned by French cosmetics giant L'Oréal , has a dedicated page on its Indian online shop for whitening products for men , including one called `` PowerWhite Fairness Face Wash. '' An ad for the product promises to make your skin one tone lighter by counteracting pollution .
Garnier USA said on Instagram on June 2 , “ We stand with the Black community and against racial injustice , ” and the same day , Blackout Tuesday , posted a black square to express support for the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to requests for comment .
Consumer products giant Unilever owns one of India ’ s best-known skin whitening brands , Fair and Lovely .
On June 3 , the company posted on Instagram , “ We have a responsibility for racial justice , ” saying it had pledged “ more than $ 1 million to date ” in donations to social justice organizations and activists .
The post was flooded with angry comments calling the company hypocritical .
“ Stop making and selling fairness and skin lightening products across the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done enough damage to us dark skinned Indian women .
Just stop.
” Shivani Priya , an Indian fashion designer who commented on the post , told BuzzFeed News that as someone who previously used Fair and Lovely , `` I can tell you that it doesn ’ t work and it promotes the inherent racism that still exists in our country.
” On June 9 , the author and TV host Padma Lakshmi chimed in too .
“ For years I ’ ve been saying that ‘ Fair & Lovely ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GO !
!
” she wrote on Instagram .
“ Anyone else out there sick and tired of being told that fair=lovely ?
Because I sure as hell am .
“ I ’ ve been hearing that crap since my girlhood and it did a number on my self-esteem , '' she added .
Unilever did not return repeated requests for comment .
Critics of skin whitening say the practice is not a personal choice , but rather deeply rooted in colonial history and viewed as necessary to improve job , marriage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expense of skin health .
Skin lightening products can contain mercury and other harmful chemicals that can do lasting damage .
Marketing for skin lightening products — whether or not they contain harmful ingredients — often casts lighter skin tones as a beauty ideal .
Consumer advocates in Asia and Africa have spent years protesting against skin lightening .
Last year , Amira Adawe , founder of the US-based Beautywell Project , led a campaign that persuaded Amazon to stop the sale of some skin whitening products on its platform .
And in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rwanda , and Ivory Coast have banned certain kinds of skin whiteners that include ingredients like mercury , hydroquinone , and steroids .
Some skin whitening products are also banned or heavily regulated in Australia , Japan , and the EU .

Olay was not the only brand to publicly support Black Lives Matter while also selling skin lightening products.
Johnson & Johnson, another consumer products giant, also sells fairness creams in Asia (Fairness in India typically means fair skin). The company’s skincare brand Neutrogena sells a product called "Fine Fairness Overnight Brightening Cream" in its Malaysian online store that includes “white lily extract” to achieve “long lasting fairness.” According to Neutrogena’s website, one of the product’s benefits is that it “restores skin’s natural whitening power.” The brand said on June 2 on Instagram that it would donate $200,000 to the NAACP and Black Lives Matter, adding, “We have a responsibility to use our voice to speak up against systemic racism.”
In response to questions from BuzzFeed News, a spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson said the company has decided to discontinue the Fine Fairness line, which was available in India and Southeast Asia among other markets, adding, “This product uses a retinol formula to lighten stubborn dark spots — it does not bleach the skin.” The company said it made the decision based on conversations with retailers.
Products aimed at lightening skin tones range from skin bleaching creams, often using a chemical banned in several countries called hydroquinone, to products branded as natural or nonprescription strength including kojic acid, licorice root, and bearberry, according to Suzanne Friedler, a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC.
“In many places outside the US, questionable ingredients such as corticosteroids, mercury, hydrogen peroxide, and glutathione may be found in lightening agents,” she said. “These products have the potential to damage and thin out the skin.”
Many countries, including in Asia and Africa, have looser regulations on nonprescription skincare products than the US and the EU, and not every country requires cosmetics companies to disclose the ingredients of their products. So it’s tough to tell which products contain what skin lightening ingredients, even when the products promise to lighten skin tone. But advocates say that even marketing that references skin whitening is harmful because it drives demand for more dangerous products and reinforces the notion that whiter is better. In the US and Europe, companies are more likely to advertise products using words like “brightening” or “spot reducing.”


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--Trump’s Campaign Made Face Masks. They’re Just Not Selling Them.

The Trump campaign has purchased thousands of branded masks for surrogates but won ’ t add them to the collection of Trump keychains and coffee mugs sold on the campaign website .
Members of Black Voices for Trump told BuzzFeed News there were two official campaign offerings : a red neoprene mask and a newer navy canvas version with the `` Trump 2020 '' logo .
Staffers distributed the masks to surrogates who attended the president 's June rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
Those masks , though , have not been made widely available to the public .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks on the website , a campaign official told BuzzFeed News .
The decision to not market `` Trump 2020 '' masks is a break from a president who has lauded himself as an astute businessperson — one who ’ s sold all manner of branded items , up to and including 2016 ’ s red hats .
After all , it was the brainchild of this very campaign that raised $ 500,000 in a single week from selling Trump-engraved plastic straws .
The move was a clear rebuke to cities substituting plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the site a year later with a content description that reads , “ Liberal paper straws don ’ t work .
STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP and buy your pack of recyclable straws today.
” Even Joe Biden ’ s campaign is selling masks .
Nobody from the Trump campaign will explain the decision to not sell its own masks , even as online sellers who peddle unauthorized versions of `` Trump 2020 '' masks say they ’ re blowing out of stock .
`` The only reason I know they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeps asking me , 'Where are the masks ? '
and I ’ m like , go to the website , and they ’ re like , 'Oh , well , I can ’ t find any , ' '' Cecilia Johnson of Black Voices for Trump said in an interview with BuzzFeed News .
So the idea of a tycoon not using a pandemic to maximize his earnings seems like a bad business move — unless you consider the president ’ s approach on the mask debate amid the coronavirus pandemic thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silent until recently .
For months , the president has been criticized for slow-walking his coronavirus response .
But what was particularly obvious was his refusal to wear a mask and , until this week , his unwillingness to advise Americans to wear one — even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended people do so as early as April .
The nation saw its leader speak cautiously about the benefits of wearing a mask .
Trump just last month called masks a “ double-edged sword , ” which seemed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleanliness of handling masks worn all day .
In the same interview , he said he ’ s “ OK with it.
” This month , during a Fox interview , Trump made it clear he has no interest in mandating masks .
This is a point many lawmakers from the states now experiencing upticks in COVID-19 cases have struggled with as well .
As have his own surrogates , including Diamond and Silk , who likened any mandate of masks to “ Communist China ” and ... slavery .
Asked about mandating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said , `` No .
I want people to have a certain freedom , and I do n't believe in that .
No . ''
But he donned a mask during his visit to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on July 11 and tweeted Monday he was being “ patriotic ” by wearing it .
( He did mention the “ Invisible China Virus ” in the tweet . )
Then , in a stunning about-face , on Tuesday at his coronavirus press briefing , the president told reporters : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are not able to socially distance , wear a mask .
Get a mask .
Whether you like the mask or not , they have an impact .
They ’ ll have an effect.
” Five minutes later , the president , who for this briefing mainly read from his notes , doubled down : “ We 're instead asking Americans to use masks , socially distance , and employ vigorous hygiene.
” And then , within moments of his press conference — with possibly more impact than he has at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign has not responded to several requests as to whether it 'll change course and add the Trump masks to the campaign site 's offerings .
There ’ s certainly a demand .
Just ask @ isleofcapri777 , who inquired about one on Twitter last week .

The Trump campaign has purchased thousands of branded masks for surrogates but won’t add them to the collection of Trump keychains and coffee mugs sold on the campaign website.
Members of Black Voices for Trump told BuzzFeed News there were two official campaign offerings: a red neoprene mask and a newer navy canvas version with the "Trump 2020" logo. Staffers distributed the masks to surrogates who attended the president's June rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Those masks, though, have not been made widely available to the public. There was never a plan to sell the masks on the website, a campaign official told BuzzFeed News.
The decision to not market "Trump 2020" masks is a break from a president who has lauded himself as an astute businessperson — one who’s sold all manner of branded items, up to and including 2016’s red hats. After all, it was the brainchild of this very campaign that raised $500,000 in a single week from selling Trump-engraved plastic straws. The move was a clear rebuke to cities substituting plastic straws for paper ones; it remains on the site a year later with a content description that reads, “Liberal paper straws don’t work. STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP and buy your pack of recyclable straws today.”
Even Joe Biden’s campaign is selling masks.
Nobody from the Trump campaign will explain the decision to not sell its own masks, even as online sellers who peddle unauthorized versions of "Trump 2020" masks say they’re blowing out of stock.
"The only reason I know they’re not selling the masks is because everyone keeps asking me, 'Where are the masks?' and I’m like, go to the website, and they’re like, 'Oh, well, I can’t find any,'" Cecilia Johnson of Black Voices for Trump said in an interview with BuzzFeed News.
So the idea of a tycoon not using a pandemic to maximize his earnings seems like a bad business move — unless you consider the president’s approach on the mask debate amid the coronavirus pandemic thus far. He’s been relatively silent until recently.
For months, the president has been criticized for slow-walking his coronavirus response. But what was particularly obvious was his refusal to wear a mask and, until this week, his unwillingness to advise Americans to wear one — even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended people do so as early as April.
The nation saw its leader speak cautiously about the benefits of wearing a mask. Trump just last month called masks a “double-edged sword,” which seemed to point to his personal concerns around the cleanliness of handling masks worn all day. In the same interview, he said he’s “OK with it.”
This month, during a Fox interview, Trump made it clear he has no interest in mandating masks. This is a point many lawmakers from the states now experiencing upticks in COVID-19 cases have struggled with as well. As have his own surrogates, including Diamond and Silk, who likened any mandate of masks to “Communist China” and...slavery.
Asked about mandating masks during Sunday's Fox interview, Trump said, "No. I want people to have a certain freedom, and I don't believe in that. No."
But he donned a mask during his visit to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on July 11 and tweeted Monday he was being “patriotic” by wearing it. (He did mention the “Invisible China Virus” in the tweet.)
Then, in a stunning about-face, on Tuesday at his coronavirus press briefing, the president told reporters: “We're asking everybody that when you are not able to socially distance, wear a mask. Get a mask. Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact. They’ll have an effect.”
Five minutes later, the president, who for this briefing mainly read from his notes, doubled down: “We're instead asking Americans to use masks, socially distance, and employ vigorous hygiene.”
And then, within moments of his press conference — with possibly more impact than he has at the podium, he tweeted it.
The campaign has not responded to several requests as to whether it'll change course and add the Trump masks to the campaign site's offerings. There’s certainly a demand. Just ask @isleofcapri777, who inquired about one on Twitter last week.


buzzfeed--2020-07-23--Trump Says He's Sending Federal Agents To Chicago And Albuquerque Even Though They're Not Wanted

`` The president has been on a campaign now for some time against Democratic mayors across the country , '' Lightfoot said at a news conference .
`` The president is trying to divert attention from his failed leadership on COVID-19 . ''
`` Hundreds of skilled law enforcement officers '' from the FBI , US Marshals Service , the Department of Homeland Security , and other agencies will be sent to Chicago to help quell a rise in gun violence , Trump said .
Dozens of others will be sent to Albuquerque .
But the presence of federal police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deploy them to other cities have drawn concern from local officials , who have already said publicly that a federal presence would not be welcomed. ''
We just started this process , and frankly we have no choice but to get involved , '' Trump said .
`` This bloodshed must end .
It will end . ''
Attorney General Bill Barr and acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the federal response in Chicago and Albuquerque would be different from the actions of agents in Portland — which centered on demonstrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on crime fighting alongside local police .
The decision to keep deploying federal agents to cities comes despite criticism from state and local officials that they 're only making things worse , particularly in Portland , Oregon , where protesters were picked off the streets by camouflage-wearing officers and scurried away in unmarked vehicles .
President Donald Trump said he will send more federal officers to Chicago and Albuquerque , New Mexico , because local officials are n't doing enough to combat violent crime .
In announcing `` Operation Legend '' at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also attacked local politicians for pushing back against the idea of federal officers getting involved .
`` They should call .
They should want it , '' he said .
`` They 're too proud , or they 're too political to do that . ''
Trump admitted officials were sending federal agents despite the objections of local officials , but said the administration would , and could , override them .
`` The mayor [ of Chicago ] is telling us not to come in , '' Trump said .
`` At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to and we may have to because it 's out of control .
I 'm assuming she 's saying that for political reasons . ''
Although federal authorities often work with local law enforcement agencies in task force groups across the country , the objections from local officials were sparked after federal agents were deployed to Portland .
The city has seen weeks of demonstrations against police brutality since the killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville .
The demonstrations have drawn extensive criticism from Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a heavier handed approach against protesters he has called `` anarchists . ''
The Trump administration 's deployment of multiple federal agencies to Portland to support the Federal Protective Service 's guard around the courthouse , which has incurred damage and vandalism during the endless protests and drawn rage and condemnation from across the country .
Countless videos posted on social media show federal officers grabbing protesters from their cars , violently attacking others , and taking demonstrators away in unmarked vehicles .
Multiple lawsuits have since been filed against the police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights with their use of force tactics .
On Tuesday , Wolf defended his the Department of Homeland Security 's actions and blamed state and local officials for failing to quell `` violent criminal activity . ''
He added that the coordinated federal response was warranted and needed because `` violent anarchists '' are different in Portland than in other US cities .
`` Portland is different than what we see from any other city .
...
If we left tomorrow , they would burn [ the courthouse ] down , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agents in Portland have already sparked two lawsuits and increased tensions in the streets , where demonstrators against police brutality have now also been calling for the removal of federal officers .
It has also increased tensions between local politicians over suspicions over whether some city officials have been working quietly in tandem with federal agents .
Some officials in Portland have lambasted other leaders , including Mayor Ted Wheeler , for allegedly hiding the fact that the Portland Police Bureau has been working with federal officers during their highly criticized response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor and police officials have denied having an integral part in the federal agencies ' deployment in Portland in recent weeks , according to the Oregonian .
However , City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty , a long-outspoken critic of her city 's police department , said Tuesday that she had just learned an employee with the Department of Homeland Security had been `` embedded '' with the Portland Police Bureau `` since day one . ''
Speaking on a panel hosted by the Western States Center about the Trump administration ’ s `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hardesty said Portland police have `` consistently lied to the public , to our congressional delegation '' about their relationship with `` this federal secret police force . ''
`` We just found this week after six weeks of being told that there was no coordination that in fact there was a Homeland Security person embedded in Portland police emergency command center from day one , '' she said .
On Wednesday , Barr said this new federal deployment would serve a different purpose than protecting facilities .
`` This is a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we use to defend against riots and mob violence , and we 're going to continue to confront mob violence , '' he said .
`` But the operations we ’ re discussing today are very different .
They are classic crime fighting . ''
Wolf said operations in Portland were deployed because of `` coordinated violent attacks by anarchists against a federal courthouse , '' while the agents being deployed to Chicago and Albuquerque were because of `` an unprecedented rise in crime against fellow citizens . ''
`` I 'm ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the violence stops , '' Wolf said .
`` Portland is unique .
There 's no other city like it right now where we see this violence at federal courthouses . ''
Federal officers have arrested 43 people in Portland since July 4 .
Still , even before Trump 's announcement , local officials have been highly critical , calling the federal force `` Trump 's secret police '' and `` an unconstitutional affront to representative democracy . ''
`` We always welcome partnerships in constitutional crime fighting that are in step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't sell out our city for a bait and switch excuse to send secret police to Albuquerque , '' Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement .
`` Operation Legend is not real crime fighting ; it 's politics standing in the way of police work and makes us less safe . ''
Albuquerque 's police chief has also pushed back against the deployment and Trump 's claim that violent crime had increased in the city .
`` Contrary to claims by politicians in Washington D.C. , Albuquerque has been keeping overall violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far this year , '' Chief Michael Geier said .
`` While we welcome any assistance and additional resources to address violent crime , the President promised help in the past and has not yet followed through . ''
Lightfoot had threatened to sue the Trump administration if it unilaterally sent federal agents into the city , but the Chicago Tribune reported the mayor changed her tone after speaking with John Lausch , the US attorney of the Northern District of Illinois , who told her agents would be working `` collaboratively '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reelection in November , Trump has been threatening to send federal officers and the US military into city streets to face off against protesters .
`` If a city or state refuses '' to call in the National Guard , Trump said in June , `` then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them . ''
On Wednesday , Trump criticized demonstrators , efforts to `` defund the police , '' and politicians who have called for diverting law enforcement money to social programs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far-left movement to break up our police department , causing violent crime in their cities to spiral , and I mean spiral seriously out of control , '' he said .
On Friday , the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Oregon filed what it said would be just one of many lawsuits against federal authorities .
The US attorney for Oregon has also called on the inspector general to investigate the federal response and filed a lawsuit against several federal agencies for `` overstepping their powers and injuring or threatening peaceful protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal officers to Chicago came three days after the officers ' police union there reached out directly to the White House , claiming the mayor had `` lost any control of the city . ''
`` Mayor Lightfoot has proved to be a complete failure who is either unwilling or unable to maintain order here , '' John J. Catanzara Jr. , the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7 , wrote in a letter to Trump .
`` I hope this letter is the beginning of a unique and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

In announcing "Operation Legend" at the White House on Wednesday, Trump also attacked local politicians for pushing back against the idea of federal officers getting involved.
"They should call. They should want it," he said. "They're too proud, or they're too political to do that."
Trump admitted officials were sending federal agents despite the objections of local officials, but said the administration would, and could, override them.
"The mayor [of Chicago] is telling us not to come in," Trump said. "At some point we can void that if we have to and we may have to because it's out of control. I'm assuming she's saying that for political reasons."
Although federal authorities often work with local law enforcement agencies in task force groups across the country, the objections from local officials were sparked after federal agents were deployed to Portland.
The city has seen weeks of demonstrations against police brutality since the killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville. The demonstrations have drawn extensive criticism from Trump, who has urged local leaders to take a heavier handed approach against protesters he has called "anarchists."
The Trump administration's deployment of multiple federal agencies to Portland to support the Federal Protective Service's guard around the courthouse, which has incurred damage and vandalism during the endless protests and drawn rage and condemnation from across the country. Countless videos posted on social media show federal officers grabbing protesters from their cars, violently attacking others, and taking demonstrators away in unmarked vehicles.
Multiple lawsuits have since been filed against the police and federal agencies for violating protesters' civil rights with their use of force tactics.
On Tuesday, Wolf defended his the Department of Homeland Security's actions and blamed state and local officials for failing to quell "violent criminal activity." He added that the coordinated federal response was warranted and needed because "violent anarchists" are different in Portland than in other US cities.
"Portland is different than what we see from any other city. ... If we left tomorrow, they would burn [the courthouse] down," he said.
But the presence of federal agents in Portland have already sparked two lawsuits and increased tensions in the streets, where demonstrators against police brutality have now also been calling for the removal of federal officers.
It has also increased tensions between local politicians over suspicions over whether some city officials have been working quietly in tandem with federal agents.
Some officials in Portland have lambasted other leaders, including Mayor Ted Wheeler, for allegedly hiding the fact that the Portland Police Bureau has been working with federal officers during their highly criticized response to protesters around the courthouse. Both the mayor and police officials have denied having an integral part in the federal agencies' deployment in Portland in recent weeks, according to the Oregonian.
However, City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, a long-outspoken critic of her city's police department, said Tuesday that she had just learned an employee with the Department of Homeland Security had been "embedded" with the Portland Police Bureau "since day one."
Speaking on a panel hosted by the Western States Center about the Trump administration’s "misuse of armed federal agents," Hardesty said Portland police have "consistently lied to the public, to our congressional delegation" about their relationship with "this federal secret police force."
"We just found this week after six weeks of being told that there was no coordination that in fact there was a Homeland Security person embedded in Portland police emergency command center from day one," she said.
On Wednesday, Barr said this new federal deployment would serve a different purpose than protecting facilities.
"This is a different operation obviously from the tactical teams that we use to defend against riots and mob violence, and we're going to continue to confront mob violence," he said. "But the operations we’re discussing today are very different. They are classic crime fighting."
Wolf said operations in Portland were deployed because of "coordinated violent attacks by anarchists against a federal courthouse," while the agents being deployed to Chicago and Albuquerque were because of "an unprecedented rise in crime against fellow citizens."
"I'm ready to pull my officers out of there if the violence stops," Wolf said. "Portland is unique. There's no other city like it right now where we see this violence at federal courthouses."
Federal officers have arrested 43 people in Portland since July 4.
Still, even before Trump's announcement, local officials have been highly critical, calling the federal force "Trump's secret police" and "an unconstitutional affront to representative democracy."
"We always welcome partnerships in constitutional crime fighting that are in step with our community, but we won't sell out our city for a bait and switch excuse to send secret police to Albuquerque," Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement. "Operation Legend is not real crime fighting; it's politics standing in the way of police work and makes us less safe."
Albuquerque's police chief has also pushed back against the deployment and Trump's claim that violent crime had increased in the city.
"Contrary to claims by politicians in Washington D.C., Albuquerque has been keeping overall violent crime flat and has reduced homicides so far this year," Chief Michael Geier said. "While we welcome any assistance and additional resources to address violent crime, the President promised help in the past and has not yet followed through."
Lightfoot had threatened to sue the Trump administration if it unilaterally sent federal agents into the city, but the Chicago Tribune reported the mayor changed her tone after speaking with John Lausch, the US attorney of the Northern District of Illinois, who told her agents would be working "collaboratively" with local authorities.
As he faces reelection in November, Trump has been threatening to send federal officers and the US military into city streets to face off against protesters. "If a city or state refuses" to call in the National Guard, Trump said in June, "then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them."
On Wednesday, Trump criticized demonstrators, efforts to "defund the police," and politicians who have called for diverting law enforcement money to social programs.
"These same politicians have now embraced the far-left movement to break up our police department, causing violent crime in their cities to spiral, and I mean spiral seriously out of control," he said.
On Friday, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Oregon filed what it said would be just one of many lawsuits against federal authorities. The US attorney for Oregon has also called on the inspector general to investigate the federal response and filed a lawsuit against several federal agencies for "overstepping their powers and injuring or threatening peaceful protesters."
Trump's decision to send federal officers to Chicago came three days after the officers' police union there reached out directly to the White House, claiming the mayor had "lost any control of the city."
"Mayor Lightfoot has proved to be a complete failure who is either unwilling or unable to maintain order here," John J. Catanzara Jr., the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7, wrote in a letter to Trump. "I hope this letter is the beginning of a unique and dynamic alliance that will help save Chicago."


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Called Out Her Republican Colleague For Refusing To Apologize For Reportedl

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Called Out Her Republican Colleague For Refusing To Apologize For Reportedly Calling Her A Sexist Slur

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is criticizing a fellow member of Congress over his refusal to apologize for allegedly calling her a `` fucking bitch '' following a confrontation on Capitol Hill .
`` I can not apologize for my passion or for loving my God , my family , or my country , '' Florida Rep. Ted Yoho said Wednesday morning on the House floor while denying using the slur .
However , he apologized for the `` misunderstanding '' of his remarks .
Yoho faced a barrage of criticism when the Hill reported this week that he called Ocasio-Cortez the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a heated conversation .
Shortly after Yoho 's speech Wednesday , Ocasio-Cortez called out his failure to accept responsibility .
`` Republican responds to calling a colleague 'disgusting ' & a ' f—ing b*tch ' w/ ' I can not apologize for my passion ' and blaming others , '' she tweeted .
`` I will not teach my nieces and young people watching that this an apology , and what they should learn to accept . ''
She went on to list several points about the statement he delivered on the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apology , '' she said .
`` He did n't even say my name . ''

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is criticizing a fellow member of Congress over his refusal to apologize for allegedly calling her a "fucking bitch" following a confrontation on Capitol Hill.
"I cannot apologize for my passion or for loving my God, my family, or my country," Florida Rep. Ted Yoho said Wednesday morning on the House floor while denying using the slur. However, he apologized for the "misunderstanding" of his remarks.
Yoho faced a barrage of criticism when the Hill reported this week that he called Ocasio-Cortez the sexist slur after the two got into a heated conversation.
Shortly after Yoho's speech Wednesday, Ocasio-Cortez called out his failure to accept responsibility.
"Republican responds to calling a colleague 'disgusting' & a 'f—ing b*tch' w/ 'I cannot apologize for my passion' and blaming others," she tweeted. "I will not teach my nieces and young people watching that this an apology, and what they should learn to accept."
She went on to list several points about the statement he delivered on the House floor.
"This is not an apology," she said. "He didn't even say my name."


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--A Federal Prosecutor Resigned After Using Anti-Gay Slurs And Asking “Do You Know Who I Am?” During A

A Federal Prosecutor Resigned After Using Anti-Gay Slurs And Asking “Do You Know Who I Am?” During A DUI Arrest

WASHINGTON — A federal prosecutor arrested for drunk driving used anti-gay slurs and other abusive language , misused his authority , and threatened the jobs of law enforcement officers , according to an inspector general report obtained by BuzzFeed News .
According to the report , the prosecutor , who is not named , was initially cooperative when he was arrested and given a field sobriety test .
But witnesses told the inspector general ’ s office that the man ’ s behavior grew increasingly abusive — one of the arresting officers said the prosecutor called him names including “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ retarded , ” and continued to “ belittle ” the officer once they arrived at the jail .
Other witnesses reported hearing the man refer to officers as “ retard or retarded , ” “ pussy , ” and “ bitch or bitches.
” The inspector general ’ s office noted that all nine law enforcement witnesses interviewed as part of the investigation specifically reported hearing the man repeatedly use the anti-gay slur .
The witnesses , whose names were redacted , included the arresting officers , jail officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee who was present at the jail .
One witness at the jail reported that the man threatened to “ sue his ass , ” and other witnesses reported hearing the former prosecutor use threatening language , including , “ I will prosecute every single one of you , ” “ Wait until I get out , ” and “ Do you know who the fuck I am ?
” One witness told investigators that the man said , “ You don ’ t know who you are messing with .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs.
” The report doesn ’ t disclose the identity of the prosecutor , where he worked , or how long he served as an assistant US attorney — the inspector general ’ s office redacted identifying information in a version provided to BuzzFeed News on Tuesday in response to a Freedom of Information Act request , citing exemptions for privacy .

WASHINGTON — A federal prosecutor arrested for drunk driving used anti-gay slurs and other abusive language, misused his authority, and threatened the jobs of law enforcement officers, according to an inspector general report obtained by BuzzFeed News.
According to the report, the prosecutor, who is not named, was initially cooperative when he was arrested and given a field sobriety test. But witnesses told the inspector general’s office that the man’s behavior grew increasingly abusive — one of the arresting officers said the prosecutor called him names including “faggot,” “dumb rookie,” and “retarded,” and continued to “belittle” the officer once they arrived at the jail. Other witnesses reported hearing the man refer to officers as “retard or retarded,” “pussy,” and “bitch or bitches.”
The inspector general’s office noted that all nine law enforcement witnesses interviewed as part of the investigation specifically reported hearing the man repeatedly use the anti-gay slur. The witnesses, whose names were redacted, included the arresting officers, jail officials, and a US Department of Homeland Security employee who was present at the jail.
One witness at the jail reported that the man threatened to “sue his ass,” and other witnesses reported hearing the former prosecutor use threatening language, including, “I will prosecute every single one of you,” “Wait until I get out,” and “Do you know who the fuck I am?” One witness told investigators that the man said, “You don’t know who you are messing with. I’m going to have all of your jobs.”
The report doesn’t disclose the identity of the prosecutor, where he worked, or how long he served as an assistant US attorney — the inspector general’s office redacted identifying information in a version provided to BuzzFeed News on Tuesday in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, citing exemptions for privacy.


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--Trump Wished Jeffrey Epstein's Ex-Girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell "Well" At His Coronavirus Briefing

“ I wish her well , whatever it is , ” the president said .
“ I do n't know the situation with Prince Andrew .
I just do n't know .
I 'm not aware of it.
” “ I don ’ t know .
I haven ’ t really been following it too much .
I just wish her well , frankly , ” Trump said .
The president went on to say he ’ s met her “ numerous times over the years ” when he lived in Palm Beach , Florida .
A reporter asked Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chances she would “ turn in powerful men ” like Prince Andrew , given that the president has criticized Bill Clinton ’ s behavior .
Trump responded that he hasn ’ t been following her case and wished her well .
“ I just wish her well , ” President Trump says of Ghislaine Maxwell .
Maxwell was arrested earlier this month and charged with helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually exploit and abuse several girls in the 1990s Maxwell was arrested earlier this month and charged with helping Epstein sexually abuse girls in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Office for the Southern District of New York alleged that she and Epstein “ exploited girls as young as 14 ” and that she “ played a critical role in the grooming and abuse of minor victims.
” Maxwell , who had been in a relationship with Epstein in the mid-1990s , has denied the charges .
Tuesday ’ s press briefing was billed as the return of the coronavirus briefings .
Trump did not speak long , but he advised people to wear masks when necessary and said young people should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor gatherings.
” Trump also said the government is considering lowering to 70 % the extended $ 600 unemployment insurance benefit , which is due to expire soon .
`` The amount would be the same , but doing it in a little bit smaller initial amounts so that people are gon na want to go back to work as opposed to making so much money that they really do n't have to , '' he said .
He also gave a grim outlook on the future of the pandemic , a rare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will probably , unfortunately , get worse before it gets better .
Something I don ’ t like saying about things , but that ’ s the way it is .
”

Maxwell was arrested earlier this month and charged with helping Epstein sexually abuse girls in the 1990s. The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York alleged that she and Epstein “exploited girls as young as 14” and that she “played a critical role in the grooming and abuse of minor victims.”
Maxwell, who had been in a relationship with Epstein in the mid-1990s, has denied the charges.
Tuesday’s press briefing was billed as the return of the coronavirus briefings. Trump did not speak long, but he advised people to wear masks when necessary and said young people should avoid “packed bars and other crowded indoor gatherings.”
Trump also said the government is considering lowering to 70% the extended $600 unemployment insurance benefit, which is due to expire soon.
"The amount would be the same, but doing it in a little bit smaller initial amounts so that people are gonna want to go back to work as opposed to making so much money that they really don't have to," he said.
He also gave a grim outlook on the future of the pandemic, a rare instance for the president: “It will probably, unfortunately, get worse before it gets better. Something I don’t like saying about things, but that’s the way it is.”


buzzfeed--2020-07-22--“Flat-Out Unconstitutional”: Federal Officers In Unmarked Vans Are Snatching People Off The Streets

“Flat-Out Unconstitutional”: Federal Officers In Unmarked Vans Are Snatching People Off The Streets In Portland

Protesters in Portland , Oregon , say federal officers deployed by President Donald Trump are increasing tensions and violating civil rights by roaming the streets in unmarked vans and detaining people without probable cause .
Videos and witness accounts detail how armed officers outfitted in camouflage and lacking identifying information on their uniforms are snatching people off the street .
One viral video shared on July 15 shows two men in fatigues exiting an unmarked van , grabbing a person by their arms , and escorting them to a vehicle .
The officers remained silent as bystanders asked who they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The identity of the person detained in that video is unknown , but Portland resident Mark Pettibone told Oregon Public Broadcasting he was detained on July 15 by a group of federal officers .
He said they grabbed him off the street for no reason , placed him in an unmarked van , and used his hat to cover his eyes while he was transported to a federal courthouse .
“ I just happened to be wearing black on a sidewalk in downtown Portland at the time , ” Pettibone said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me.
” Juniper Simonis , a quantitative ecologist who volunteers as a medic at protests , told BuzzFeed News that federal officers forcibly took them into custody and separated them from their service dog for using chalk on the sidewalk in front of a federal building on July 10 .
Simonis said they were sprayed with OC gas , a form of pepper spray , at close range .
“ They jumped me and assaulted me without any legal or verbal communication to me about being under arrest , or telling me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trans woman who uses `` they '' / '' them '' pronouns .
“ They 're snatching people and asking questions later.
” On Friday , the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Oregon sued the Department of Homeland Security and US Marshals Service in what it said was `` one `` many [ lawsuits ] the ACLU will be filing against federal authorities in Portland for their unconstitutional attacks on people protesting the police killing of George Floyd . ''
The ACLU added DHS and US Marshals Service to a lawsuit that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement agencies , where a federal judge had already issued an order blocking local officials from dispersing , arresting , or using force against reporters and legal observers until Oct. 30 .
`` What is happening in Portland is an unconstitutional nightmare , '' Vera Eidelman , staff attorney with the ACLU 's Speech , Privacy and Technology Project said in a statement .
`` The ACLU will not let the government respond to protests against police brutality with still more brutality . ''
The ACLU 's motion filed Friday looks to add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order .
Although the motion specifically mentions federal agents ' actions against journalists and legal observers , and does not mention arrests of protesters , it is the first attempt to legally block federal agents ' actions on the ground in Portland .
A task force — including officers from the Department of Homeland Security , Customs and Border Protection , Immigration and Customs Enforcement , and the US Marshals Service — was deployed to Portland in early July after Trump issued an executive order about protecting national landmarks .
But rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and memorials , federal officers have at times engaged peaceful protesters and citizens with “ less lethal ” munitions and have been documented driving around and detaining people on city streets .
“ Usually when we see people in unmarked cars forcibly grab someone off the street we call it kidnapping , ” Jann Carson , interim executive director of the ACLU of Oregon , said in a statement .
“ The actions of the militarized federal officers are flat-out unconstitutional and will not go unanswered.
” Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blatant abuse of power.
” The use of federal officers has also been condemned by the mayor of Portland , both of Oregon ’ s US senators , the Portland Police Bureau , and the local sheriff .
Sens .
Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley , along with two other members of Congress , sent a letter to acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf and Attorney General Bill Barr requesting information about the deployment and a July 11 incident when a member of the US Marshals Service hit a peaceful protester in the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skull and requiring surgery .
“ A peaceful protester in Portland was shot in the head by one of Donald Trump ’ s secret police , ” Wyden tweeted .
“ Now Trump and Chad Wolf are weaponizing the DHS as their own occupying army to provoke violence on the streets of my hometown because they think it plays well with right-wing media.
” On Friday , the US attorney in Oregon called on the DHS 's Office of the Inspector General to look into reports that protesters were detained without probable cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid the criticism .
“ The city of Portland has been under siege for 47 straight days by a violent mob while local political leaders refuse to restore order to protect their city , ” he said in a DHS news release on Thursday .
“ Each night , lawless anarchists destroy and desecrate property , including the federal courthouse , and attack the brave law enforcement officers protecting it.
” DHS released a list of 90 examples of what it called “ lawless destruction and violence ” in Portland dating back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incidents listed involved vandalism , graffiti , or trespassing .
Eleven of the listed incidents resulted in arrests .
Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that federal officials have so far charged 13 people related to the protests .
In response to criticism that federal officers in Portland are not identifying themselves , Mark Morgan , the acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection , tweeted , “ You will not see names on their uniforms b/c these same violent criminals use this information to target them & their families , putting both at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not required by law to identify themselves , according to Lawfare .
Benjamin Haas , the advocacy counsel at Human Rights First and a former Army intelligence officer , told BuzzFeed News the deployment of militarized federal officers in a US city is alarming .
“ These law enforcement officers look more like the special operations forces I supported as an Army intelligence officer in Afghanistan than civilian police who are supposed to serve and protect American communities , ” Haas said .
He added that the federal officers in Portland are “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement , [ which ] is unhealthy for democracy and American communities.
” After being grabbed off the street and brought to a federal courthouse , Pettibone said he was released without charges after he kept asking for a lawyer .
DHS has not commented publicly on Pettibone ’ s arrest .
Simonis said they were also brought to the Portland federal courthouse after being arrested in front of the Edith Green–Wendell Wyatt Federal Building .
After Simonis said they were detained for roughly eight hours and denied a phone call or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released and issued two federal tickets for petty offenses .
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the arrest of Simonis .
Simonis said it ’ s possible other people are being detained and kept for longer periods without the ability to contact a lawyer .
“ We know that there are people getting snatched off the streets , but we only know the stories of the people who have made it out , ” they said .

A task force — including officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the US Marshals Service — was deployed to Portland in early July after Trump issued an executive order about protecting national landmarks. But rather than remaining on federal property to protect statues and memorials, federal officers have at times engaged peaceful protesters and citizens with “less lethal” munitions and have been documented driving around and detaining people on city streets.
“Usually when we see people in unmarked cars forcibly grab someone off the street we call it kidnapping,” Jann Carson, interim executive director of the ACLU of Oregon, said in a statement. “The actions of the militarized federal officers are flat-out unconstitutional and will not go unanswered.”
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown called the deployment of federal officers a “blatant abuse of power.” The use of federal officers has also been condemned by the mayor of Portland, both of Oregon’s US senators, the Portland Police Bureau, and the local sheriff.
Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with two other members of Congress, sent a letter to acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf and Attorney General Bill Barr requesting information about the deployment and a July 11 incident when a member of the US Marshals Service hit a peaceful protester in the head with an impact munition, fracturing his skull and requiring surgery.
“A peaceful protester in Portland was shot in the head by one of Donald Trump’s secret police,” Wyden tweeted. “Now Trump and Chad Wolf are weaponizing the DHS as their own occupying army to provoke violence on the streets of my hometown because they think it plays well with right-wing media.”
On Friday, the US attorney in Oregon called on the DHS's Office of the Inspector General to look into reports that protesters were detained without probable cause.
Wolf arrived in Portland this week amid the criticism.
“The city of Portland has been under siege for 47 straight days by a violent mob while local political leaders refuse to restore order to protect their city,” he said in a DHS news release on Thursday. “Each night, lawless anarchists destroy and desecrate property, including the federal courthouse, and attack the brave law enforcement officers protecting it.”
DHS released a list of 90 examples of what it called “lawless destruction and violence” in Portland dating back to May 29. Roughly a quarter of the incidents listed involved vandalism, graffiti, or trespassing. Eleven of the listed incidents resulted in arrests. Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that federal officials have so far charged 13 people related to the protests.
In response to criticism that federal officers in Portland are not identifying themselves, Mark Morgan, the acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, tweeted, “You will not see names on their uniforms b/c these same violent criminals use this information to target them & their families, putting both at risk.” Law enforcement officers are generally not required by law to identify themselves, according to Lawfare.
Benjamin Haas, the advocacy counsel at Human Rights First and a former Army intelligence officer, told BuzzFeed News the deployment of militarized federal officers in a US city is alarming.
“These law enforcement officers look more like the special operations forces I supported as an Army intelligence officer in Afghanistan than civilian police who are supposed to serve and protect American communities,” Haas said.
He added that the federal officers in Portland are “blurring the line between the military and law enforcement, [which] is unhealthy for democracy and American communities.”
After being grabbed off the street and brought to a federal courthouse, Pettibone said he was released without charges after he kept asking for a lawyer. DHS has not commented publicly on Pettibone’s arrest.
Simonis said they were also brought to the Portland federal courthouse after being arrested in front of the Edith Green–Wendell Wyatt Federal Building. After Simonis said they were detained for roughly eight hours and denied a phone call or access to a lawyer, they were released and issued two federal tickets for petty offenses.
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the arrest of Simonis.
Simonis said it’s possible other people are being detained and kept for longer periods without the ability to contact a lawyer.
“We know that there are people getting snatched off the streets, but we only know the stories of the people who have made it out,” they said.