" The tactics that the Trump administration are using on the streets of Portland are abhorrent. People are being literally scooped off the street into unmarked vans, rental cars, apparently. They are being denied probable cause. And they are denied due process. They don’t even know who’s pulling them into the vans. "
- Ted Wheeler

In the given quote, Ted Wheeler expresses his profound concern about the tactics employed by the Trump administration during protests in Portland. He describes a disturbing scene where protesters are apprehended from the streets and transported away in unmarked vehicles without proper legal justification or formal procedures. This approach raises serious questions about civil liberties and the rule of law.

The deep meaning of Wheeler's statement goes beyond just describing the immediate actions taken on the streets. It highlights broader issues regarding governmental overreach, lack of transparency, and disregard for constitutional rights. The use of unmarked vans and rental cars to detain individuals without probable cause or due process suggests a violation of fundamental legal protections and civil liberties that are cornerstones of democratic societies. This not only affects those directly involved in the protests but also sends a chilling message to all citizens about potential abuses of power.

Ted Wheeler is the Mayor of Portland, Oregon. His statement reflects his role as an elected official concerned with the safety and rights of his constituents. As someone deeply embedded in local politics and public service, Wheeler has been vocal about the federal government's involvement in state affairs during protests, particularly in Portland where tensions were high between federal and local authorities under the Trump administration.