Portland, Oregon – Federal agents unleashed crowd control munitions on thousands of demonstrators outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. This occurred on January 31, 2026. Protesters gathered to voice opposition to increased immigration enforcement. The demonstration began peacefully. It started with a march through Portland’s South Waterfront neighborhood. Many union members participated. Families with children and elderly individuals were also present. Signs declared “Immigrants are not Criminals Our President Is!!” and “ICE Out of Our Communities”.
Federal Response Escalates
Federal officers were stationed at the ICE facility. They deployed tear gas and pepper balls. Flash-bang grenades were also used. These munitions spread several blocks. They significantly affected the larger crowd of demonstrators. Some protesters had blocked the ICE facility driveway. This action prompted the federal response. Agents fired munitions from the building’s roof. They pushed protesters away from the barricade.
Portland Police Bureau officers observed the situation. They also helped provide medical treatment. Portland Police did not deploy any crowd control munitions themselves. Mayor Keith Wilson strongly condemned the federal officers’ actions. He stated federal forces used heavy chemical munitions. He noted this impacted a peaceful daytime protest. The majority of protesters broke no laws. They posed no danger to federal personnel.
Context of Protests
These demonstrations were part of wider national events. They followed a nationwide general strike. This strike encouraged people to skip work and shopping. Many were protesting the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The events also honored individuals killed by federal agents elsewhere. Protests at the Portland ICE building have continued for months. They began in early June. This followed the detention of three protesters. These individuals had blocked the driveway. Earlier immigration arrests in Portland had sparked these actions.
Broader Implications and Legal Actions
The use of force by federal agents drew widespread criticism. Portland City Councilor Mitch Green was among the crowd. He reported federal agents used tear gas on children. He advocated for abolishing ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He also called for prosecutions. Legal challenges are ongoing. One lawsuit specifically targets excessive force against nonviolent protesters. Residents of a nearby housing complex sued federal agencies. Their lawsuit described the tear gas deployment as “unconstitutional poisoning”. It alleged that agents indiscriminately deployed agents. This occurred without regard for crowd size or violence. Federal prosecutors have charged many individuals with crimes. These alleged crimes happened near the ICE facility. Charges included property damage and assaulting officers. The city banned Portland police from using tear gas in 2020. However, federal officers face no similar restrictions.
Oregon News and Local Impact
These events are significant Oregon news. The protests and federal response impacted city services. Portland police temporarily closed South Macadam Avenue. This was done to shield drivers from the gas. Portland Streetcar and TriMet transit services experienced disruptions. The deployment of munitions affected nearby residents. Many buildings in the area lack air conditioning. This led to tear gas drifting into homes through open windows. The incidents highlight ongoing tensions within Oregon. Conflicts have arisen between federal and local authorities regarding protest management. The city is investigating penalties for the ICE facility’s landlord. This is related to chemical residues released off the property. The land use agreement for the ICE building has also been a point of dispute. The city claims ICE violated this agreement. The violation concerns detaining individuals for over 12 hours. This news captures a moment of conflict. It shows strong public reaction to immigration enforcement.
Future Outlook
The situation at the Portland ICE building remains a central issue. Tensions persist between protesters and federal agents. Legal proceedings continue to develop. City and state officials are reviewing their options. They seek ways to address federal actions. This continuing story is a key part of Oregon news.
