Portland,OR – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem visited Portland Tuesday,meeting with local and state officials amid ongoing debate over federal involvement in the city’s public safety. While Portland leaders emphasized a desire for collaboration and accountability, Noem reportedly criticized local elected officials, calling them “pansies,” according to sources familiar with the meetings.
Noem met with Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell, Oregon State Police Superintendent Casey Codding, and later with portland Mayor Keith Wilson. morrisey O’Donnell stated the sheriff’s office welcomes federal partnerships that “complement our local public safety priorities, respect Oregon law and are predicated on accountability and transparency.”
Wilson highlighted what he described as a calm atmosphere during Noem’s visit, asserting that Portland “continues to manage public safety professionally and responsibly, irrespective of the claims of out-of-state social media influencers.” Though, he also expressed concern over recent tactics employed by federal agents, deeming them “troubling and likely unconstitutional.” He referenced former President Trump’s authorization of troops to Oregon, stating, “we still do not know what ‘full force’ against Portland means.” Wilson affirmed his commitment to demanding federal officers adhere to standards equivalent to those required of the Portland Police Bureau, including clear use-of-force limits, officer identification, restrictions on chemical munitions, and body-worn cameras.
Noem’s visit included participation in immigration enforcement efforts, separate from the Portland Police Bureau. She also met with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, who reiterated her position that “there is no insurrection in Oregon.”
The duration of Noem’s stay in Portland remains unclear.
