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Portland Protest Groups Sue Over US Agents' Use of Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets

Associated Press

   PORTLAND, OREGON - Two groups protesting U.S. agents sent to Portland
   by President Donald Trump to tamp down demonstrations outside a federal
   courthouse have sued the Department of Homeland Security, alleging it
   violated the Constitution by sending federal law enforcement to
   disperse crowds with tear gas and rubber bullets.

   The Wall of Moms -- a group of self-described mothers -- and the Don't
   Shoot Portland group filed the lawsuit late Monday against Acting
   Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and other federal officials. The
   agency did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment
   about the lawsuit.

   Members of the group of mothers have "been tear-gassed night after
   night, left vomiting and unable to eat or sleep because of the toxic
   poison blasted at them," the lawsuit said.

   It claimed the tactics are unlawful and said the presence of the agents
   in Portland violates "a foundational principle of American democracy"
   because the agents are essentially performing local police duties that
   are reserved for state and local authorities.

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