Trump Administration Sends Federal Agents To Fight Gun Violence In Portland, Chicago & New York, Democrats Question Its Legality

President Donald Trump hinted on Monday he may be prepared to deploy federal agents to Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia and other major cities, citing shooting and violence.

“Well, it depends on what your definition of ‘troops’ is,” he told reporters. “I mean, we’re sending law enforcement.”

Trump talked about the surge of violence in Chicago and New York City, the cities seeing increase in shootings in recent weeks. Having previously promoted the “law and order” approach during the Black Lives Matter protests, Trump again blamed local mayors for the “mess” and promised to take an action.

“I’m going to do something – that, I can tell you,” Trump said. “Because we’re not going to let New York and Chicago and Philadelphia and Detroit and Baltimore and all of these – Oakland is a mess. We’re not going to let this happen in our country. All run by liberal Democrats.”

A senior law enforcement official said that there are indeed discussions to send federal agents to Chicago through the end of the summer. The work of the agents will be focused on illegal gun sales and gun violence. The Department of Homeland Security is set to send more than 150 Homeland Security Investigations agents to Chicago to assist local law enforcement to clear out crime surge.

Trump on Sunday again attacked local officials for the spike in crime in Chicago and other cities in his tweets.

“The Radical Left Democrats, who totally control Biden, will destroy our Country as we know it. Unimaginably bad things would happen to America,” Trump tweeted. “Look at Portland, where the pols are just fine with 50 days of anarchy. We sent in help. Look at New York, Chicago, Philadelphia. NO!”

“We are trying to help Portland, not hurt it. Their leadership has, for months, lost control of the anarchists and agitators,” he added. “They are missing in action. We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE. These were not merely protesters, these are the real deal!”

We are trying to help Portland, not hurt it. Their leadership has, for months, lost control of the anarchists and agitators. They are missing in action. We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE. These were not merely protesters, these are the real deal!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 19, 2020