Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in South Portland on Sunday, continuing a wave of protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility as Oregon awaits a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on whether the Trump administration can legally deploy the National Guard in the state.
The rally, organized by Portland Contra Las Deportaciones and several allied activist groups, began at 2 p.m. in Elizabeth Caruthers Park before protesters marched to the ICE facility at 4310 South Macadam Avenue. Their message was clear: shut down the ICE compound and reject the militarization of Portland streets.
Rallying Against ICE and Militarization
Organizers framed the event as a stand against what they called a “military occupation” of the city. Protesters carried handmade signs reading “No Guard in Our City” and “Abolish ICE,” while speakers condemned both the potential troop deployment and the recent arrests of demonstrators.
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“We are not afraid of this presence,” one protester shouted through a megaphone. “We’re standing up for our community — for immigrants, for our neighbors, and for our right to protest.”
Marchers then proceeded down South Moody Avenue toward the ICE facility, chanting and waving flags as federal officers watched from nearby rooftops.
The demonstration was peaceful for much of the afternoon, with music, dancing, and speeches creating what several attendees described as a “festival atmosphere.” However, tensions escalated later in the day.
Clashes With Federal Officers
Around 5 p.m., protesters reported brief confrontations near the facility’s entrance. Witnesses said officers on the roof of the building aimed pepper ball launchers at the crowd and later fired several non-lethal rounds after a small group of demonstrators clashed with federal agents on the ground.
Video captured by reporters from KATU News showed several protesters being detained. It’s unclear what sparked the altercation or how many people were arrested.
“It’s hard to stand still and stay peaceful when you see people thrown to the ground,” said protester Adelind Coy. “You want to help, but all we can do is keep our hands up and stay calm. It’s the only option we have.”
Activists said they believe recent arrests are part of a broader effort to intimidate and silence the protest movement. “Our organizers were detained just for chanting,” one demonstrator said.
Allegations of Abuse and Calls for Accountability
Those detained during previous protests have alleged inhumane treatment while in custody. Activist Cass Cano, who was held for about an hour last week, described being placed in a cell “filled with pepper spray residue.”
“It’s not a place anyone should be held,” Cano said. “But I’m not scared. This is bigger than me.”
The group is demanding that all charges against arrested protesters be dropped. They also want the ICE building’s operating permit revoked, arguing that the facility represents a moral and humanitarian failure.
One of the arrested organizers, Jairin Anzaldua-Ervin, remains in legal jeopardy and faces potential felony charges stemming from earlier demonstrations.
Counter-Protesters and Divided Streets
While hundreds gathered to oppose ICE, a small group of counter-protesters assembled across the street, some carrying American flags and banners supporting border enforcement.
One counter-protester, who asked to remain anonymous due to fears of being doxxed, said he came to “support ICE and the borders.”
“I have the right to stand here without being assaulted,” he said. “This building is under constant attack.”
Another conservative group unveiled a large mural of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing influencer who was recently shot and killed, describing it as a tribute to free speech.
Despite ideological differences, some protesters urged unity and compassion. “I don’t see anyone here as an enemy,” Coy said. “We may see things differently, but we all have to keep each other safe.”
Naked Bike Ride Joins the Protest
Adding to Portland’s reputation for blending activism and performance, Sunday’s rally coincided with an “emergency” World Naked Bike Ride — rebranded as a protest against the National Guard deployment.
The ride began at the Oregon Convention Center Plaza around 3 p.m., with participants pedaling through downtown before arriving at the ICE facility just after 4 p.m.
Organizers of the ride said their goal was to draw attention to “the militarization of our city” and “the targeting of Indigenous, Latino, and Palestinian communities.”
“This event is to bring attention to these issues and give a voice to local protesters,” the group wrote on social media.
Calm Return by Evening
By nightfall, the crowds began to thin. Officers remained stationed at the ICE building but did not deploy tear gas or flash munitions. Portland police confirmed no arrests were made after the initial detainments earlier in the evening.
For many, the day was both a show of defiance and a plea for de-escalation.
“We’re fighting for dignity, not violence,” said one marcher as the crowd dispersed. “We just want a city that doesn’t need troops to keep people safe.”
Legal Battle Continues
Meanwhile, in federal court, Oregon and the Trump administration remain locked in a tense legal standoff.
Judge Karin Immergut’s temporary restraining order currently blocks the deployment of National Guard troops in Portland, but that order expires Friday. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing the administration’s request to lift the block, arguing that the state lacks authority to interfere with federal action.
Oregon’s attorneys contend that Immergut retains jurisdiction to move forward with a full hearing regardless of the appeal.
The outcome could determine not only when — but whether — the National Guard ever sets foot on Portland streets.
Until then, the city’s protests show no signs of slowing down. As one activist put it:
“Whether it’s art, music, or marching, Portland will keep standing up. This is our city, and we won’t be silenced.”
