On Saturday, a chaotic scene unfolded outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland, where federal officers found themselves locked in a confrontation with protesters. The demonstration escalated to the point that law enforcement officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared the gathering a riot. This event marks a significant uptick in tensions, contrasting sharply with the earlier peaceful protests that occurred throughout Oregon.
Earlier on the same day, over 10,000 people participated in a peaceful march at Tom McCall Waterfront Park as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest. This event was organized to oppose a military parade happening in Washington D.C. on the same day. The vast turnout reflects a strong sentiment against militarization and federal overreach, echoing similar themes across the Pacific Northwest.
The ICE building has been a focal point for protests since the Trump administration took office. However, protests intensified this past week following President Trump’s decision to deploy thousands of National Guard officers and hundreds of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to manage escalating protests there. This decision has served as a catalyst for increased dissent in Portland, culminating in the violent clashes witnessed on Saturday night.
As the “No Kings” demonstrations wound down, tensions flared outside the ICE building. Protesters began to chant slogans and taunt federal officers, with some throwing objects—primarily water bottles and at least one rock—at the building. In response, DHS officers deployed crowd control munitions from both the roof and a driveway entrance, further escalating the situation into the evening hours.
At one point, protesters attempted to breach the facility, successfully breaking through a glass door with a pole-like object. This prompted a swift reaction from federal officers clad in tactical gear, who fired tear gas, flashbangs, and acoustic weapons to disperse the crowd. The chemical munitions filled the air, leaving surfaces near the building coated in residue.
Throughout the evening, the atmosphere remained charged as DHS officers detained at least one individual outside the facility. The identity of the detained person and whether they faced any charges remained unclear as of Saturday night. The Portland Police Bureau arrived on the scene, officially declaring the protest a riot shortly after 6:30 p.m.
The evening saw a continuous back-and-forth between federal officers and protesters. During lulls in the chaos, demonstrators moved closer to the ICE facility, sometimes dancing to mariachi music. However, as protesters approached, DHS officers responded with tear gas to push them back.
As tensions mounted, a surge of Portland police officers, including the bureau’s Rapid Response Unit, entered the scene and began making arrests. It remains unclear how many individuals were taken into custody by the end of the night. Meanwhile, demonstrators displayed a sign on the facade of the ICE building reading “Free OJM,” referring to an asylum seeker arrested by ICE officers on June 2.
O-J-M, who identifies as transgender, was detained at Portland Immigration Court while attending a mandatory hearing in her asylum case and has since been moved to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. The ongoing protests reflect deep-rooted grievances regarding immigration enforcement and the treatment of asylum seekers in the United States.
As the events at the ICE building unfold, the Portland community continues to grapple with the implications of federal actions and the broader fight for justice and equality.
