NOTE: VIDEO BELOW
Multiple federal law enforcement officers were injured late Saturday night following a violent outbreak at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The chaos followed a day-long protest that began peacefully but escalated into a riot by nightfall. The initial gathering, promoted as a “No Kings” rally, drew thousands to downtown Portland earlier in the afternoon. However, by evening, a faction of demonstrators moved toward the ICE field office, where the situation turned violent.
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that the facility came under attack by individuals using fireworks, rocks, and smoke devices. Rioters shattered windows and forced entry into the building, injuring at least four federal officers in the process. Officials said law enforcement personnel were eventually able to regain control of the site.
Local authorities declared an unlawful assembly near the ICE facility at approximately 6:30 p.m., as tensions escalated. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) issued multiple dispersal warnings and advised that crowd-control measures, including physical force and less-lethal munitions, would be used if the crowd did not comply.
Around 7:00 p.m., a medical emergency inside the ICE facility required immediate access for emergency responders. Police warned protesters not to obstruct law enforcement or medical personnel, posting on social media:
“Force may be used against you if you interfere.”
Despite repeated warnings, officers continued to observe criminal behavior, including assaults and property damage. The PPB announced plans to carry out targeted arrests, warning demonstrators not to resist or interfere with law enforcement activity.
As of Sunday morning, police had not released the total number of arrests. Investigators are reviewing video footage and working to identify individuals who took part in the violence.
Assistant Secretary McLaughlin strongly denounced the attack, calling it a deliberate assault on federal agents.
“We will not allow violent mobs to intimidate federal law enforcement,” she said.
“Anyone who attacks an officer will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”
The unrest comes amid growing concern for the safety of ICE personnel in Portland. DHS recently confirmed that agents had been doxxed, with posters circulating the city that exposed officers’ personal information, including names, photographs, and home addresses.
In response, DHS pledged that ICE operations would not be slowed or stopped.
“These intimidation tactics will not work,” the agency posted on social media.
“Our mission will continue, and our agents will remain protected.”
Federal and local authorities are actively investigating the attack and said charges are expected against those involved in assaults or disruptions of law enforcement operations.
