A demonstration outside a Portland, Oregon, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility escalated into violence as hundreds of protesters tried to break into the detention center. The unrest occurred late Friday evening, during the 28th consecutive day of protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Law enforcement officers used tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke bombs to disperse the demonstrators, some of whom were physically restrained by officers in riot gear.
The protest was sparked by opposition to the Trump administration's immigration agenda, which has been a point of contention since his election. The tension reached new heights following the president's signing of a $150 billion legislative package. The bill, referred to by Trump as a "big, beautiful bill," significantly increases funding for border wall construction and ICE operations, while also intensifying deportation efforts. Concurrently, the bill imposes cuts on Medicaid spending, a move that has drawn criticism for potentially impacting vulnerable populations.
Earlier that day, protesters had gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square, approximately two miles from the ICE facility, for a symbolic "die-in" to voice their opposition to the Medicaid cuts. Local station KOIN 6 reported protester Mary Vanzant's statement, "We don’t need more money for ICE. They’re taking money from services we truly need." This sentiment was echoed by activist Cortez Williams, who emphasized the importance of continued protest, saying, "The best thing we can do as the people is keep fighting."
The demonstration also followed the arrest of Moises Sotelo, a 54-year-old vineyard worker. Sotelo's daughter, Alondra Sotelo-Garcia, recounted the distressing experience of tracking her father's phone to the Portland ICE center, where she found him shackled but smiling in reassurance. The family's plight has become a focal point of the protests, with a banner reading "Free Moises" displayed prominently outside the detention center.
Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-CA) confirmed the arrest of two vineyard workers by ICE in Newberg, Oregon. While the agency has not released specific details, Salinas has stated she is working to ensure that those detained receive due process and has been in communication with Latino community leaders to inform residents of their rights.
The Daily Mail reported that independent journalist Katie Daviscourt posted footage showing the chaotic scenes as the protest was declared an unlawful assembly by officials. The Portland Police Department has yet to release a formal statement regarding the incident or the number of arrests made.
The protests in Portland are part of a broader national debate on immigration policy, reflecting deep divisions within the country. As the situation develops, the community awaits further information on the outcomes for those involved in the protests and the detainees at the ICE facility.
