PORTLAND, Ore. -- The head of the Department of Homeland Security is currently in Portland after issuing a statement that called protesters in the liberal city ''violent anarchists.''

Acting Secretary Chad Wolf said Thursday that local officials are to blame for not putting an end to what he called ''a siege'' by protesters who have demonstrated outside the federal courthouse for nearly two months. Federal officers sent to Portland by the Trump administration have escalated tensions. 

He goes on to say "Instead of addressing violent criminals in their communities, local and state leaders are instead focusing on placing blame on law enforcement and requesting fewer officers in their community."

Gov. Kate Brown fired back in a series of tweets saying, 'I told Acting Secretary Wolf that the federal government should remove all federal officers from our streets. His response showed me he is on a mission to provoke confrontation for political purposes. He is putting both Oregonians and local law enforcement officers in harm's way." 

I told Acting Secretary Wolf that the federal government should remove all federal officers from our streets. His response showed me he is on a mission to provoke confrontation for political purposes. He is putting both Oregonians and local law enforcement officers in harm’s way.

— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) July 16, 2020