Rep. Janelle Bynum responds to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeReamer’s Portland comments

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Congresswoman Janelle Bynum has sharply criticized U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer after the Cabinet member voiced support for a federal crackdown on Portland.

During a recent Cabinet meeting at the White House, Chavez-DeRemer expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for his administration's ongoing immigration enforcement efforts, particularly through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

She added, “Thank you for what you’re doing with your agents on ICE. And thank you for the prosecution. I hope you will come to Portland, Oregon, and crack down.”

Bynum, who represents Oregon in the U.S. House of Representatives, responded forcefully, condemning both Chavez-DeRemer’s comments and her leadership as Labor Secretary.

“She was a hot mess when she was here and she remains a hot mess as our Labor Secretary,” Bynum told KTVZ News. The Congresswoman also criticized the idea of deploying federal forces in Portland, stating, “Anybody that would sick a president on their own people, I think has their values misplaced...”

Chavez-DeRemer’s comments come amid President Trump's broader push to target Democrat-led cities across the U.S.

“Her job is to make sure that American workers get a fair shake,” Bynum said, adding that Chavez-DeRemer should “stay in her lane, even if it’s hard for her to do.”

KTVZ News has reached out to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's office for comment, at this time we are waiting for their response.