Protests Outside ICE Office in Portland Continue Amid National Attention

Tue Oct 21 2025 14:41:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Nights of protests persist outside the ICE building in Portland, where demonstrators challenge immigration policies while President Trump considers federal intervention.

With nightly demonstrations occurring outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland, activists are voicing their opposition to ICE policies aimed at immigrants. Despite the potential for aggression, as evidenced by incidents involving crowd control measures, overall violent crime rates in the city have reportedly decreased. Tensions have been heightened following President Trump's comments on the situation, and local officials are managing the impact on nearby residents while attempting to uphold freedoms of expression.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland, Deidra Watts stood with a gas mask hanging from her backpack, like many other protesters who have gathered night after night since July.

A blue line marked 'GOVERNMENT PROPERTY DO NOT BLOCK' was the boundary the protesters maintained. When they moved too close, police officers stationed on the roof fired pepper balls to disperse the crowd. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries during the altercations, which began to wind down by midnight.

Although disruptive to local residents—leading a charter school to relocate over the summer—the rallies contrast sharply with the widespread unrest Portland experienced following George Floyd's death in 2020. The current protests are observed in a climate of heightened national tension as President Trump has taken an active interest in Portland, having described the city as 'like living in hell' while threatening to send in federal troops to address what he perceives as rising crime.

Last week, Trump reiterated his tough stance on crime and indicated federal troops could be utilized in Portland, referencing similar actions taken in other major cities. In recent months, he has used national guard deployments in cities like Los Angeles as part of a broader law enforcement strategy.

Although some cite rising crime concerns, a recent report indicated that overall violent crime rates, including homicides, have declined in Portland, contradicting the dramatic portrayal of the city that Trump described.

'There’s a propaganda campaign to make it look like Portland is a hellscape,' commented Casey Leger, who frequently observes the protests. He noted the peaceful surroundings of Portland just blocks away from the protests.

Despite the protests' intensity, local officials have been cautious about responding to the calls for federal intervention, with Portland Mayor Keith Wilson emphasizing the need to maintain local control over public safety and free speech while addressing any violence or disruptions.

Significant protests surged earlier this summer during the 'No Kings' marches, drawing attention both locally and nationally, and resulting in federal charges against multiple protesters. The protests have seen smaller altercations since then, raising concerns about future demonstrations and their effects on nearby residents, one of whom has recently filed a lawsuit regarding the noise impact of the protests.

Still, businesses nearby, including a local coffee shop, lament the changes brought on by the protests.

Both sides of the issue express strong opinions, reflecting the ongoing national debate over immigration policies and civil rights, showing how Portland remains a key focal point in these discussions.