In Portland, Oregon, federal agents tear-gassed protesters on Tuesday night, the 55th day of demonstrations in the city against racism and police brutality. Over the past week, unidentified federal officers have been attacking antiracist protesters and even snatching activists off the streets in unmarked vans. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection arm confirmed it had deployed officers from three paramilitary-style units to Portland. Meanwhile, a leaked DHS memo reveals the agency is now conducting domestic surveillance targeting potential threats to federal buildings, as well as local statues and monuments. In Washington, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany claimed President Trump had the legal right to deploy federal agents into Portland and other cities.

Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany: “Yes. Well, what you’re referring to is Portland, and 40 U.S. Code 1315 gives DHS the ability to deputize officers in any department or agency, like ICE, Custom and Border Patrol and Secret Service.”

President Trump has threatened to deploy federal agents to other cities, including Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore and Oakland.