On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators gathered in cities across Oregon to participate in a coordinated protest against the Trump administration, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. These gatherings were part of an extensive movement comprising over 2,000 events nationwide, all united under the No Kings slogan. The timing of these protests was deliberate, coinciding with Trump’s attendance at a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary.
The protests aimed to denounce what organizers described as authoritarianism, anti-immigrant policies, and attacks on democracy. In Portland, hundreds of demonstrators began assembling outside the Oregon Convention Center around 10 a.m. As the crowd steadily grew, participants waved flags, banners, and signs criticizing the president and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). By midday, the gathering swelled to thousands, stretching more than ten blocks along Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Chants of “We fight ICE every day from Portland to LA” resonated throughout the streets as vehicles honked in solidarity.
Many protesters from the Convention Center area later migrated downtown to join a larger rally at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The Portland police had to close Southwest Naito Parkway between Ash and Morrison streets as the crowd swelled to tens of thousands, exceeding the park’s capacity. A striking element at the park was a large inflatable golden calf designed to resemble Trump, brought by the Christian group Faithful America. Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck stated that the display was a protest against the politicization of religious messages, emphasizing the idolatrous nature of Trump's self-portrayal.
The protests showcased a wide range of concerns among participants. Some voiced alarm over immigration policies and the deployment of federal law enforcement in domestic settings, while others focused on pressing economic issues, social services, and the rhetoric coming from political leaders. Jody Dungay, a Portland resident originally from Minnesota, expressed her outrage over recent violent incidents involving lawmakers, labeling them “unreasonable” and “cruel.” Mike Kaplan, another Portland resident, highlighted his concerns regarding the “lack of respect for science or facts,” particularly in light of ICE raids targeting innocent individuals.
A.J. Stutzman, a combat veteran from Vancouver, articulated his fears regarding the “absolute lawlessness, corruption, and cruelty” of the Trump administration, particularly concerning its treatment of military personnel and citizens. “What President Trump said at Fort Bragg recently was the scariest speech from a leader I have ever heard,” he remarked. Many participants, including Ivan Paulik Aguilar, marched to protest the harassment of immigrant communities, recognizing the privilege of being able to protest when many are too afraid.
Dallas resident Angelica Yanez-Sanders traveled to Portland to “stand up for democracy,” voicing her concerns over ICE raids and Trump’s proposed legislation that would disproportionately affect working families. She feared that hardworking individuals could lose everything due to the current administration’s policies. As the protest continued, demonstrators began marching south on Naito Parkway, causing traffic delays throughout downtown and the east side of the city.
Among the marchers was Chris Stone, a 73-year-old veteran of protests dating back to the Vietnam War. “The power of protest is the people’s voice. It’s stronger than violence. It’s stronger than guns. It’s stronger than tyranny,” he declared while dressed in a full Uncle Sam costume, emphasizing the importance of collective action for change.
As the afternoon progressed, a couple of hundred protesters marched to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building at 4310 S. Macadam Ave. The situation escalated around 6 p.m. when Portland police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and later a riot after clashes erupted between protesters and federal officers. Federal officers in tactical gear deployed smoke and tear gas while the crowd retaliated with water bottles and fireworks. Reports indicated some protesters broke glass doors at the facility.
While tensions rose in Portland, peaceful protests unfolded across the state. Smaller neighborhood events complemented larger gatherings in cities like Beaverton and Eugene. In Medford, police estimated around 3,000 participants along East McAndrews Road near the I-5 overpass. Sally Mirza, who traveled from Ashland, described the atmosphere as “joyous and energetic—a release people need.” In Happy Valley, thousands gathered along Southeast Sunnyside Road, where U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum made a brief appearance to engage with constituents.
Participants like Tom Pham, a 61-year-old immigrant from Vietnam, emphasized that these protests were essential for countering nostalgic sentiments for Trump-era policies reminiscent of the worst parts of U.S. history. Karen Long, a special education teacher, voiced her worries about proposed cuts to essential programs like SNAP and Head Start, warning that without intervention, many families could face dire consequences.
As the protests unfolded, it became clear that the fight against what many view as the harmful policies of the Trump administration is far from over. The diverse voices of the demonstrators highlight a collective push for democracy, social justice, and the protection of immigrant communities, resonating deeply within the fabric of Oregon and beyond.
