Tensions escalated Wednesday night in Portland, Oregon, as federal agents deployed nonlethal crowd control measures to disperse rioters who attempted to obstruct access to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
Video captured on the scene showed federal officers responding with rubber bullets, tear gas, and flash-bang devices after protesters gathered outside the ICE facility in downtown Portland and began blocking entrances and exits. Some in the crowd reportedly rolled a dumpster in front of the compound, triggering a tactical response from officers stationed on the rooftop.
The incident marked a continuation of nearly two weeks of protests centered on immigration enforcement in the city. Five people were arrested and charged with assaulting police officers.
“We won’t sit idly by and watch these cowards,” the Department of Homeland Security posted on X, sharing that its officers have faced a 413% increase in assaults on federal agents. “ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The protests began peacefully earlier in the evening, with hundreds of demonstrators marching through city streets. Many participants wore masks and carried signs advocating immigrant rights, including messages such as “Nobody is illegal on stolen land” and “Protect immigrants and refugees,” but the demonstration intensified in the evening.
Despite repeated warnings to disperse, many protesters remained in place. Federal officers in riot gear advanced on the group, deploying nonlethal munitions as tear gas spread through the area. Homeland Security officials later said the area had to be cleared to allow the secure movement of government vehicles.
Demonstrators responded by throwing smoke grenades and chanting slogans such as “Whose streets? Our streets!”
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The Portland Police Bureau emphasized that it was not involved in immigration enforcement and was solely focused on maintaining public safety.
Authorities linked the latest wave of protests to the aftermath of a “No Kings” demonstration held in downtown Portland, which was declared a riot over the weekend.