PORTLAND, Ore. — A video posted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has gone viral after showing a detained protester being rolled away on a flatbed platform cart while handcuffed — all set to the hip-hop track “Ridin’” by Chamillionaire.
The short clip, shared on Oct. 5 from ICE’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), quickly drew national attention. According to the agency, the video was filmed in Portland, where federal officers have faced ongoing protests near an ICE facility.
In the video, a person dressed in a black hoodie lies face down on the metal cart with hands restrained behind their back. The cart is pushed along by federal agents while the popular early-2000s rap song plays in the background. ICE captioned the post:
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“Refuse to walk? We’ll give you a ride.”
Video Sparks Viral Reaction
The unusual footage drew immediate attention online. Within just a few hours, the post racked up tens of thousands of likes and more than 3 million views. By late Sunday afternoon, social media users had turned the clip into a meme, dubbing the moment “Cartgate” or “Cartifa.”
While some users applauded ICE for what they saw as humorous defiance amid protests, others criticized the agency for mocking detainees and using social media to score political points.
Agency Silent on Suspect’s Identity
ICE has not released details about the individual seen in the video, and Fox News Digital reported that the agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It remains unclear what led to the person’s arrest or whether they face criminal charges.
The video’s release came as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to ramp up enforcement measures at ICE facilities nationwide, despite ongoing protests. Demonstrations in Portland, Chicago, and other cities have grown increasingly tense in recent weeks.
Protests Turn Violent Across the Country
In Broadview, Illinois, roughly 250 demonstrators gathered Friday outside an ICE processing facility, leading to clashes with federal agents. According to officials, agents deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, and more than a dozen people were arrested.
Authorities also reported two separate incidents in nearby suburbs — Norridge and Bensenville — where illegal immigrants allegedly attempted to use vehicles as weapons against ICE officers.
“Thankfully none of our law enforcement officers were killed because of these deranged criminals’ attacks,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement.
Political Fallout and Ongoing Debate
The viral video and subsequent protests have reignited debate over ICE’s role and tactics amid the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies.
“This is exactly what happens when sanctuary city politicians demonize ICE and encourage people to resist law enforcement,” McLaughlin added, directly criticizing Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
As of Sunday night, ICE had not provided any updates on the Portland incident. However, the viral clip continues to circulate widely online — praised by some as a show of strength and condemned by others as emblematic of the agency’s increasingly confrontational image.
