Civic Order Coalition

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Civic Order Coalition today called on Congress to launch a formal investigation into the activities of the so-called “Rights Enforcement Agency,” following disturbing reports from Portland, Oregon.

“What we witnessed in Portland was nothing less than vigilante justice masquerading as civic virtue,” said COC Executive Director Margaret Chen-Whitfield. “Twenty-four unidentified individuals in matching vests positioned themselves to interfere with lawful police operations. This is not accountability — this is anarchy.”

The Coalition has documented over 47 incidents in the past six months where REA operatives have appeared at protests, demonstrations, and other public gatherings. In each case, their presence has complicated law enforcement's ability to maintain public safety.

“We support the right to protest. We support oversight of law enforcement. What we cannot support is a shadow organization that operates outside the law while claiming to enforce it.”

The Coalition is urging citizens to report any REA activity to local authorities and to support the Civic Integrity Act currently before Congress.