PORTLAND, Oregon — Local faith leaders gathered in Northeast Portland on Friday to denounce President Donald Trump's decision to federalize the Oregon National Guard and deploy troops to the city, calling the move both political and unlawful.

“It has real consequences for families, neighborhoods, businesses and those who are already facing fear and uncertainty,” said Reverend Dr. LeRoy Haynes Jr.

Haynes urged demonstrators outside the federal ICE building in South Portland to remain peaceful as tensions grow.

“We ask Portlanders to continue with the longstanding tradition of exercising their First Amendment rights to protest nonviolently, and don’t go for the bait,” he said.

The group also issued a message to National Guard members who may be sent to Portland.

“We are praying for yo

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