PORTLAND, Ore. — A controversial video shared by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday has sparked outrage after the agency appeared to mock a detained protester being dragged away during demonstrations outside its Portland facility.
The post, captioned “PORTLAND – Refuse to walk? We’ll give you a ride,” featured footage of a handcuffed protester being carried by federal agents while Chamillionaire’s 2005 hit “Ridin’” played in the background. The tone of the post, combined with the use of a rap song best known for its lyrics about racial profiling (“They see me rollin’, they hatin’”), immediately drew backlash online.
Widespread Backlash Over ICE’s Post
The video quickly went viral, generating millions of views and a storm of polarized reactions. Critics accused ICE of mocking detainees and glorifying excessive force, while supporters defended the agency’s right to respond humorously to what they considered disruptive protests.
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One user, @FrankMikeDavis1, highlighted ICE’s recent record, posting: “In May, Stephen Miller ordered ICE to arrest NON-CRIMINALS on streets and in workplaces! In the first two weeks of June, ICE arrested 927 non-criminals, a threefold increase compared to February.”
Another commenter, @BreakingNews4X, questioned the legality of ICE’s involvement, writing: “Is he an immigrant? U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement being used as federal police on U.S. citizens seems wrong.”
The nationality and background of the detained protester remain unknown, further fueling speculation and concern about whether the agency was detaining U.S. citizens under the guise of immigration enforcement.
Protests Intensify Outside Portland ICE Facility
The video emerged amid ongoing protests at Portland’s ICE office, where demonstrators have gathered nightly to oppose the Trump administration’s immigration and deportation policies. Protesters have held signs calling for the agency’s dissolution and urging federal officers to leave the city.
Eyewitnesses reported that ICE agents were stationed on the building’s roof, monitoring protesters and recording video alongside social media influencers who appeared to be documenting the event.
Despite tensions, local news outlet KOIN 6 reported that as of 5:30 p.m. Sunday, no National Guard troops had been deployed at the facility.
Legal Showdown Over Federal Troop Deployments
The protests coincided with a major legal development. A federal judge in Oregon issued a second temporary restraining order on Sunday night, blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to override an earlier ruling that prevented federalizing and deploying 200 Oregon National Guard soldiers to Portland.
The Trump administration has appealed the ruling, with the president subsequently ordering 200 California National Guard troops to Portland instead. The move has drawn criticism from Oregon officials, who accuse the White House of escalating tensions for political theater.
Portland’s Long-Running Protest Flashpoint
Portland has been at the center of immigration and anti-federal demonstrations for several weeks, part of a broader wave of activism challenging the administration’s hardline border policies. The South Waterfront ICE facility has become a symbolic battleground between federal enforcement agencies and local activists.
City officials, including Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Dan Wilson, have repeatedly condemned federal intervention, arguing that the administration’s portrayal of Portland as a “war-ravaged city” is exaggerated and politically motivated.
ICE Under Fire for Tone and Tactics
ICE’s use of humor in the viral post has been widely condemned by journalists, civil rights groups, and political leaders. Critics say the agency’s decision to publicly mock a protester under arrest crosses ethical lines and undermines public trust in law enforcement.
“The government shouldn’t turn law enforcement into entertainment,” one user wrote. “Mocking people in custody isn’t just unprofessional — it’s cruel.”
As protests continue and the political fight over federal deployments escalates, the viral video serves as another flashpoint in Portland’s ongoing struggle between civil rights, federal authority, and public perception.
For now, the city remains caught between defiance and federal scrutiny — and ICE’s controversial post has only deepened the divide.
