Portland Mayor Wheeler Targeted By ICE Union Calls For Probes

PORTLAND, OR – Mayor Ted Wheeler should be investigated for his handling of protests at the Portland offices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the summer. That demand is set forth in letters from lawyer Sean Riddell, who represents the union of ICE workers.

Riddeel sent one letter to Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum asking for a criminal investigation into whether Wheeler misused his position and one to United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking for a civil rights investigation.

The letters point to Wheeler's handling of the 39-days of protests outside of ICE headquarters in Southwest Portland. Get all the latest information on what's happening in your community by signing up for Patch's newsletters and breaking news alerts.

Riddell, who was a deputy attorney general in Oregon under John Kroger, and Wheeler have been butting heads since the protests started. Riddell accuses Wheeler, who is also the city's police commissioner, of holding back police from responding to 911 calls.

The letters were first reported by the Portland Tribune.

Wheeler says that the attacks stem from his criticism of ICE over the administration's policy of separating kids from their parents.

"Make no mistake," he said on Wednesday. "They are coming after me because I am a vocal opponent of the administration’s policy of separating kids from their parents.

"Now we know many of these kids will be permanently orphaned as a result. That is wrong. I’m outraged by it. Previous claims made by Sean Riddell have fallen apart upon further inspection and these claims, if investigated, will too."

Photo via city of Portland.