F.B.I. Deployed Undercover Agents at Protests in Portland

(Portland, OR) -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation operated a command post in Portland during demonstrations over the last two years to gather information about protesters and to assess threats. The New York Times reports that the agency sent undercover agents to record the actions of demonstrators.

Federal involvement in Portland and other large cities where teams were deployed became a point of concern regarding potential First Amendment violations against the right to assemble and protest the government. However, officials contend their actions were lawful and within policy.

According to The Times, there's no evidence as of yet that similar surveillance occurred during the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.