(AP Photo/Noah Berger)PORTLAND, Ore. A federal judge specifically blocked U.S. agents from arresting or using physical force against journalists and legal observers at the ongoing Portland, Oregon, protests that have sparked confrontations between local officials and President Donald Trump over the limits of federal power.
U.S. Judge Michael Simon made his ruling late Thursday, a day after Portland's mayor was tear-gassed by federal agents as he made an appearance outside a federal courthouse during raucous demonstrations.
The state of Oregon is seeking an order limiting federal agents arrest powers during the demonstrations.
Department of Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf denied that federal agents were inflaming the situation in Portland.
The court hearing focused on the actions of the more than 100 federal agents responding to protests outside the Portland courthouse.