PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Four prominent Oregon legislators are pressing federal officials for explanations regarding the recent surge of helicopter activity over Portland. U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, have formally questioned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Secretary, Kristi Noem, about why the agency continues to deploy helicopters over the city and how long the operations will persist.
In a letter dated October 14, the lawmakers said Portland residents have reported helicopters hovering over the city for hours each day since at least September 27. The flights, they noted, have generated widespread public frustration and concern about noise pollution, government transparency, and resource allocation.
According to the letter, the Port of Portland logged more than 40 noise complaints on September 27 and 28 alone—over four times the total number received during the previous fiscal year. The lawmakers described the growing frustration among residents as both emotional and physical, citing frequent disruptions to daily life.
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“Our offices have received a significant number of calls from constituents who are angered and stressed by the persistent noise, by the frequent disruptions from the helicopters, and by what they perceive as misuse of government resources,” wrote Bonamici, Dexter, Wyden, and Merkley. “Constituents report that the disruptions from the helicopters have rattled buildings, interrupted their workdays, and kept them awake at night. Portland residents are understandably confused and frustrated by the ongoing presence of the helicopters.”
The lawmakers’ letter also raises several key questions for DHS:
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Why the helicopters are flying so frequently over the Portland area.
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Whether the aircraft are owned and operated by DHS or contracted through another agency.
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The hourly operational cost of maintaining these flights.
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What specific missions the helicopters have been assigned to.
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Whether there are plans to minimize noise impacts on residents.
Beyond noise concerns, Oregon’s delegation expressed alarm that the flights may be escalating tensions near the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, a site that has seen multiple demonstrations in recent months. According to reports, the helicopters have also been seen frequently circling the inner-Southeast Brooklyn neighborhood, amplifying local anxiety and speculation about their purpose.
KOIN 6 News has previously reported that the federal helicopter presence appeared to coincide with renewed protest activity around the ICE building. The lawmakers suggested that DHS’s actions could inadvertently contribute to “the escalation of disturbances” rather than calming the situation.
The legislators emphasized that transparency and communication from DHS are critical, particularly as many Portland residents are still coping with the lingering effects of previous federal interventions in the city. They stressed that the community deserves clear answers about the operations and assurance that public welfare is being prioritized.
The letter concludes with a deadline of October 20 for DHS to respond to the inquiry. As of now, the department has not publicly addressed the lawmakers’ concerns or confirmed the nature of the helicopter missions.
With growing unease among Portland residents, Oregon’s congressional leaders are demanding not only an explanation but also immediate steps to reduce the disruptions. Until DHS provides clarity, the helicopters’ continued presence over the Rose City remains a point of contention, symbolizing a broader debate about federal authority, public trust, and local peace.
