Federal agents to begin 'phased withdrawal' from Portland, Oregon governor says

After weeks of clashing with protesters in Portland, federal agents will begin leaving the city Thursday, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) said Wednesday.

U.S. government officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, and Oregon struck a deal which paves the way for a "phased withdrawal" of the agents, who protesters and state and local officials have accused of exacerbating violence and arresting demonstrators without identifying themselves. In turn, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said a "robust presence" of Oregon State Police will remain in downtown Portland to help protect federal property as protests against police brutality continue. The usual team of federal officers that protects Portland's U.S. courthouse — which protesters have surrounded on an almost nightly basis — will continue to provide interior security for the building, The New York Times notes.

Earlier Wednesday, President Trump suggested federal officers would remain in the city until local and state authorities like Brown and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, whom he described as "weak," had "secured their city," but it no longer appears to be an accurate statement. Read more at The Associated Press and The New York Times.

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