On Saturday, a significant display of strength from federal officers in Portland capped off a day filled with peaceful protests throughout Oregon. Tens of thousands of individuals participated in the “No Kings” events, which included marches and rallies in cities such as Portland, Salem, Eugene, Roseburg, Bend, Prineville, and Pendleton. These demonstrations were organized to oppose President Donald Trump’s mass deportation initiatives and the deployment of the National Guard to various American cities. Portland has emerged as a focal point for these efforts, drawing significant attention.
The Trump administration has attempted to send hundreds of National Guard members to Portland to safeguard Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. This move has faced strong opposition from local leaders, who argue that the president is mischaracterizing the situation, which has largely been characterized by nonviolent protests. The legality of this federal action is currently under review in federal court.
Throughout the day, the protests remained peaceful, with only minor conflicts between counterprotesters. In Eugene, approximately 3,500 people gathered at the federal courthouse. Among the participants was 66-year-old Bonnie Pettit, who carried a sign featuring a photo of her father in military uniform, stating, “My father fought fascism in World War II. Now I will.” Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Pettit expressed her belief that many from the “Greatest Generation” would be appalled by the current state of America.
In Douglas County, a region where Trump secured two-thirds of the vote, a “No Kings” rally attracted over 1,000 protesters to Roseburg’s Stewart Parkway. Lyn Biethan, a participant, shared her motivation for attending, stating her love for America and the desire to preserve its liberties for future generations. She proudly wore a frog hat to show her solidarity with protesters in Portland.
Meanwhile, in Bend, hundreds lined the sidewalks, cheering as cars drove by honking their horns. A Cycle Pub full of patrons added to the festive atmosphere by joining in the cheers. In nearby Prineville, around 300 people participated in the protest, with some dressed in creative costumes, including two as frogs and one as a kitten. In Pendleton, approximately 200 protesters filled a highway overpass, holding banners that read “No Monarchy” and “Save Democracy,” while a demonstrator donned an inflatable chicken suit.
Salem was home to two contrasting gatherings. One featured a “No Kings” event that drew over 1,000 participants, while another rally, “Boots Across Oregon,” aimed to recall Democratic Governor Tina Kotek and honored conservative activist Charlie Kirk, attracting about 150 attendees. The coexistence of these events occurred with minimal incidents, highlighting the diverse political landscape in Oregon.
Portland witnessed the largest protests of the day. By noon, thousands had congregated at Pioneer Courthouse Square, engaging in chants, prayers, and singing “America the Beautiful.” This vibrant gathering transitioned into a massive march toward the city’s waterfront, where the state’s largest rally unfolded, leading to the closure of the Morrison and Hawthorne bridges.
As the day progressed, a smaller crowd of around 500 people gathered near the ICE facility at the southwest Portland waterfront. The atmosphere was lively, with many protesters creating a celebratory mood, complete with dancing, flowers, and electric candles. Chants of “ICE out of Portland” and “Donald Trump has got to go” echoed in the air. Federal officers kept watch from a nearby rooftop, sheltered from the rain.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., federal agents deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and flash-bangs into the crowd below after clearing a driveway for vehicles. The intensity of the gas was such that visibility of the ICE building was obstructed. Even individuals in inflatable costumes struggled with the fumes. After a few minutes, as the smoke began to clear, the crowd resumed dancing in the street.
By 10 p.m., as heavy rain fell, the number of protesters had diminished to just a few dozen. Despite the challenges of the day, the events showcased the resilience and determination of those opposing the current administration's policies, particularly in the face of federal intervention.
