NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Tom Homan Heads to Portland After Month-Long ICE Standoff
Border Czar Tom Homan is flying to Portland, Oregon, after 31 straight days of unrest outside a South Portland Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The protests, led by Antifa-linked groups, have become increasingly hostile—prompting federal officials to respond directly.
Speaking on Fox Business Tuesday, Homan said he would not allow extremists to intimidate federal agents. “I’m going to head to Portland. I’m going out there. They’re not going to bully us. We’re going to do the job,” he said.
He also confirmed that ICE would be increasing operations in sanctuary cities, beginning with Portland.
Sanctuary Cities in the Crosshairs
Homan criticized cities that prevent ICE from doing its job. “We’re going to double down and triple down on sanctuary cities,” he said. “Not because they’re blue, but because they are releasing public safety threats to the streets every day.”
He warned that when local jails refuse to cooperate, ICE agents will find those individuals elsewhere—whether on the streets or at job sites.
“What you’re going to get, sanctuary cities, is exactly what you don’t want: more agents in your communities and more collateral arrests.”
Protests Turn Violent—and Residents Are Paying the Price
Since June 7, nightly clashes have occurred outside the ICE facility. Protesters have thrown fireworks, bottles, and other objects at federal officers. Federal authorities say over 21 people have already been charged with serious crimes, including assault, arson, and destruction of government property.
Residents who live near the facility are voicing frustration. Many say they’ve dealt with nightly disruptions, including loud noise and vandalism. Some live in low-income or elderly housing units directly affected by the chaos.
One resident, who posted a viral video online, says he plans to sue the city for failing to protect him and his neighbors. “We call 911, but no one comes,” he said.
Local Police Stay Silent
The Portland Police Bureau has refused to assist ICE. The department says it is facing staffing shortages and is bound by the city’s sanctuary policy, which prohibits cooperation with immigration enforcement.
One resident has reportedly opened their apartment to activists, letting them use it as a hub during protests. That decision has sparked more tension within the neighborhood.
Federal Response: “We’re Just Getting Started”
Homan says the occupation has only strengthened ICE’s resolve. Though no timeline has been released, officials confirm that more agents will be deployed to Portland soon.
The Department of Homeland Security reports a 700% increase in attacks on ICE agents since President Trump returned to office. Homan insists these protests won’t slow down enforcement.
“If we can’t arrest them in the jails, we’ll find them. And we will arrest them.”
With no sign of the standoff ending, Portland may soon become a national test case for how far federal officials are willing to go when sanctuary cities resist.
