On the evening of January 8, 2026, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) took proactive measures by activating an Incident Management Team to monitor protest activities occurring in the South Portland Neighborhood, specifically near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. This strategic decision was supported by various PPB resources, including the Rapid Response Team (RRT), Dialogue Liaison Officers (DLOs), Mobile Field Forces, and personnel equipped with a Sound Truck.
The PPB expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Portland Fire & Rescue and the Oregon State Police during this operation. Around 9 p.m., officers issued a request for demonstrators to move to the sidewalk, ensuring that traffic remained open in the area. This message was broadcast repeatedly by an officer using the PPB Sound Truck, a police vehicle equipped with loudspeakers, to ensure clear communication with the crowd.
As the situation progressed, the PPB moved in to make targeted arrests, resulting in a total of five individuals taken into custody. The arrested individuals included:
Ezekiel Mclain, 28, of Portland: Charged with Riot, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, and Interfering with a Peace Officer. Benjamin J. Davis, 24, of Portland: Charged with Riot, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, and Interfering with a Peace Officer. Seth Todd, 24, of Clackamas, Oregon: Charged with Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Interfering with a Peace Officer. Jordan Brokaw, 28, of Portland: Charged with Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree. Ashley Daugherty, 48: Charged with Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Interfering with a Peace Officer.At approximately 11:30 p.m., officers made an additional arrest of a person who refused to comply with the use of amplified sound equipment. That individual, identified as Daryn Herzberg, 35, of Portland, was charged with Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree. All individuals taken into custody were subsequently booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.
To date, the total number of arrests related to the ICE protest activity has reached 79. It is important to note that while the PPB does not engage in immigration enforcement, as outlined in PPB Directive 810.10, the bureau is nevertheless committed to maintaining public safety and enforcing state laws during such events.
For more information, community members can access a letter from Chief Day, along with a FAQ regarding immigration, available on the PPB website. The PPB also shares public safety announcements through their Events channel on X (formerly known as Twitter) for ongoing updates.
The PPB will continue to monitor protest activities closely. While their primary role is to ensure public safety and support constitutionally protected activities, they also have the responsibility to address any criminal acts that may occur. Officers may be deployed in larger groups to facilitate targeted arrests for specific crimes that have been committed. Furthermore, PPB members may conduct investigations into criminal activities and collaborate with the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution when appropriate.
It is crucial to understand that arrests made later do not diminish the seriousness of the situation, especially when tensions are high. For more information on the PPB's Public Order teams, additional resources can be found on their official website.
The actions taken by the Portland Police Bureau during the protest highlight their ongoing commitment to public safety while navigating the complex dynamics of community demonstrations. As events unfold, the PPB remains focused on maintaining order and upholding the law.