“Don’t Take the Bait.” Portland leaders urge calm in face of federal buildup at ICE facility.

Portland leaders presented a united front Friday night, urging residents to remain calm, reject violence, and stand firm in the face of mounting federal presence on the streets of Portland.

"This is disappointing news," Mayor Keith Wilson said at a press conference. "We did not ask for them to come. They are here without precedent or purpose. We have seen how their presence harms commerce and prosperity and opportunity in other cities like Washington, D.C."

The press conference at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Northeast Portland featured local leaders including Portland City councilors, federal leaders, Multnomah County Commissioners, faith leaders and community advocates.

"Imagine the federal government sent instead 100 teachers, or 100 engineers, or 100 addiction specialists," Wilson said, emphasizing that Portland would welcome federal support for projects like building affordable housing and high-speed transportation.

"If you're not here to lend us a hand, take a hike," he continued.

"We have no tolerance for anyone in Portland to use this difficult moment to hurt others or our home. Those with bad intentions will be held responsible for their actions."

"This may be a show of force, but that's all it is. It's just a big show."

United States Sen. Jeff Merkley underscored the need for Portlanders to avoid confrontation. "We are not going to take the bait," said Merkley. "This is the 'don't take the bait' press conference. Our responsibility is to yes, express our views, yes, protest. But best done at a distance from these federal troops."

"President Trump has one goal," Merkley continued. "He wants to induce a violent exchange. Let us not grant him that wish. Let us be the force of orderly peaceful protests celebrating our rights as Americans to express ourselves and say 'No' to an authoritarian president."

City Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney reiterated the call for peaceful action. "Portland, you don't need to take the bait," she said. "Our local law enforcement officers are doing a great job. We are a strong community and we have community members who are scared. Our community needs us to stand together peacefully. Now is the time for all of us to speak out and make clear that any takeover of any community in Oregon is a violation of our autonomy and a danger to all of our people. We can make that clear without violence. We can make that clear without division. We can make that clear together. And that is what we will do."

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter emphasized that compassion is a stronger force than division. "The Portland we love is strong. The Portland we love is compassionate, and we are unwavering in our commitment to protect our neighbors. The Portland we love will not be divided by federal agents. That is what Trump wants. Division. He wants us divided and distracted from his failure to govern, from his failure to provide livable communities, and his failure to deliver for working people in this country."

"Do not give Trump federal agents reason to escalate," she continued. "Do not give them reason to harm our community. Anyone who uses this horrific show of force as an excuse to hurt people or damage our home, does not have this community's interest at heart. In the face of fear, we choose courage. In the face of cruelty, we choose compassion. And in the face of division, Portland chooses community. We will stand with each other. And we will get through this moment and come out stronger."