PORTLAND, Ore. — A federal law enforcement officer was captured on video blasting a chemical spray directly into the face of a 19-year-old protester during a Thursday night demonstration outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland.
The incident occurred as federal agents ordered protesters to clear the entrance of the ICE facility to allow a vehicle to exit. The young woman, who identified herself only as Leilani, complied with the command but continued to shout insults and profanity at two nearby officers. Moments later, a third officer — wearing a gas mask and tactical gear — approached and, within seconds, raised a canister and sprayed Leilani directly in the face at close range.
Aggressive Tactics Against Nonviolent Protesters
Witnesses described the exchange as unprovoked and unnecessarily aggressive. Leilani did not appear to make any physical contact with officers or pose a direct threat before being sprayed.
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The Oregonian/OregonLive, which documented the scene, reported that the video illustrates the continued use of force by federal law enforcement against protesters who are vocal but nonviolent. Similar incidents have been observed at Portland’s ICE facility in recent months.
Protesters acting as volunteer medics rushed to assist Leilani and another individual also struck by chemical spray. A Portland Police Bureau officer at the scene called for paramedics, who arrived shortly after to provide medical aid.
Federal Response and Broader Context
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the federal officers stationed at the ICE building, did not respond to requests for comment on Friday. It remains unclear whether the officer involved will face disciplinary action or review.
Thursday’s protest drew between several dozen and around 100 participants, including livestreamers and journalists. Earlier in the evening, fights broke out between protesters and counterprotesters, leading to three arrests by Portland police. However, witnesses said that the chemical spray incident took place well after those clashes and involved individuals who were not behaving violently.
Previous Incidents and Calls for Accountability
The Oregonian/OregonLive has documented multiple instances of force by federal agents against nonviolent protesters outside the ICE facility since the summer. These include officers shoving, spraying, and striking demonstrators — some of which were captured in video footage that sparked public outcry.
In September, after one such video was released showing Homeland Security officers repeatedly pushing and spraying protesters, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson called for a formal investigation into the conduct of federal officers deployed in the city.
Protest Activity Near ICE Facility
Since June, the South Portland ICE building has been a frequent flashpoint for demonstrations tied to immigration enforcement policies and federal intervention in local protests. While not all protests have been peaceful, local and federal police have made dozens of arrests in earlier months, primarily involving allegations of assaulting officers or damaging property.
Still, Thursday’s confrontation — particularly the officer’s close-range use of chemical spray against a nonviolent teen — is renewing criticism of how federal agents are policing dissent in Portland.
As of Friday, Leilani’s condition was reported as stable, and local officials are once again facing questions about the oversight and accountability of federal forces operating within city limits.
