Portland officials approved a policy Wednesday that supporters say could open the door for local police to stop federal agents and ask for their identification, in a move aimed at stopping potential imposters. But the plan likely faces legal challenges.
The policy, led by Councilor Sameer Kanal, bans law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings and requires they wear clear identification. It also directs Portland Police Bureau officers to investigate if a person who is engaged in someone an officer would do — like detaining a member of the public — doesn’t show credentials verifying they are a member of law enforcement.
Kanal said the proposal responds to concerns he’s heard from members of the public who are afraid of people pretending to be federal immigration agents, which has happened elsewhere…