PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — As tensions continue to simmer outside Portland’s federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, neighbors across the city are uniting under a shared message: Oregon is their home, not a battleground.
Community Stands Together Amid Uncertainty
In the face of ongoing protests and the looming possibility of National Guard deployment, Portland residents are emphasizing solidarity over fear. On Thursday evening, religious leaders, city councilors, and community members gathered in Northeast Portland for a “Neighbor to Neighbor” event — an evening dedicated to connection, compassion, and calm.
Reverend Chris Dela Cruz of Together Lab, who helped organize the event, said the goal was to strengthen community ties in a time of anxiety.
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“We have a strong community of migrants and folks from all around the world who just want to live their lives in dignity,” Dela Cruz said. “Being in solidarity with one another, neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block, is how we can stay strong together. Oregon is our home. This is not a military target.”
National Guard Decision Still Pending
The sense of unity comes as a federal court decision is expected soon on whether the Trump administration will be allowed to deploy National Guard troops into Portland.
Earlier this week, Oregon officials successfully obtained a temporary restraining order blocking the deployment. However, the administration appealed that ruling, and a three-judge federal panel is now reviewing the case. A decision could arrive as soon as Friday, determining whether troops will be sent to Portland in response to months of demonstrations outside the ICE facility.
The proposal has divided national leaders but brought local communities closer together. Many Portlanders see the federal order as an unnecessary escalation in a city that, while politically vocal, has remained largely peaceful.
Protests Continue at ICE Facility
The South Portland ICE facility has become the epicenter of recurring protests since June. According to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), 47 arrests have been made in that area over the past few months, including two on Thursday night — one for harassment and another for outstanding warrants.
While the gatherings have grown smaller in recent weeks, protesters continue to show up consistently, often joined by new supporters. Among them was Meg, a visitor from Chicago who joined the demonstration while in town visiting family.
“I don’t know why you need even one troop here today,” Meg said. “It’s a colossal waste of time and money — and it’s provoking people. Portland is so not on fire. It’s the most beautiful city. Everyone’s kind. There’s nothing to look at here except lovely people standing around. Portland’s fine. I’m fine.”
Her words echoed the sentiments of many locals who view the federal narrative of Portland as a “war zone” as exaggerated and politically motivated.
Increased Federal Presence Raises Concerns
Despite the smaller protest turnout, there has been a noticeable increase in federal activity around the ICE facility. Witnesses reported a larger presence of federal officers, along with helicopters and drones circling overhead — confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security as part of their surveillance operations.
The heightened security comes amid reports of recent clashes between protesters and counter-protesters, including a confrontation on Wednesday night that led to four arrests for harassment and pointing a laser at a police aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Portland Police Bureau has also reinforced its overnight patrols in the South Portland area to prevent further disturbances.
Neighbors Choose Unity Over Fear
For many Portland residents, the uncertainty surrounding the federal decision has only deepened their resolve to look out for one another. Faith leaders, teachers, and neighborhood organizers continue to hold events promoting peace and resilience, focusing on shared values instead of political divisions.
Reverend Dela Cruz said the gatherings are meant to send a clear message: that Portland’s strength lies in its compassion, not its conflicts.
“People are scared — especially immigrants and refugees,” he said. “Our response is to show that community is stronger than fear. We stand with one another because Oregon is our home.”
As the federal court weighs its ruling, residents across the city are bracing for the outcome — together. Whether or not troops arrive, Portlanders say their sense of unity and local pride will not waver.
“We’re not afraid,” said one organizer at the event. “We’re neighbors. And we’ll protect each other, no matter what happens next.”
