PORTLAND, Ore. — As protests persist outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland, area residents and local officials are calling for an end to the use of chemical weapons by federal agents. Concerns over public health and safety have intensified as tear gas, pepper balls, and other crowd control munitions continue to affect nearby communities.
Federal Agents Under Scrutiny
Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Maxine Dexter, and Janelle Bynum, co-signed a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging the withdrawal of federal agents from Portland. The lawmakers highlighted the repeated deployment of tear gas and other chemical agents, describing their use as indiscriminate and harmful to residents, protestors, and vulnerable populations.
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The letter notes that federal agents have deployed chemical munitions on multiple occasions, often impacting individuals who are not participating in protests. Officials have documented that federal officers, some fully masked and unidentifiable, have engaged with peaceful demonstrators, including seniors and an elderly Vietnam War veteran. Residents report chemical exposure in their homes, and local schools have been forced to relocate due to the hazardous environment.
Residents Describe Health Impacts
Ashley, a resident of an apartment complex across from the ICE facility, shared her family’s struggles with the persistent presence of tear gas. She explained that the gas seeps into their apartments, making it impossible to open windows at night and forcing them to run air conditioning constantly. This not only raises utility costs but also disrupts everyday life.
“My whole family feels it,” Ashley said. “Sick to your stomach. My son had a headache that lasted a couple hours. My dog’s been vomiting, but I don’t know if it’s related.” Residents like Ashley face limited options, as moving from affordable housing is often unattainable. In response, local protestors have distributed gas masks to help protect vulnerable community members.
Documented Health Risks
State lawmakers emphasized that the health risks of tear gas are well-documented. Exposure can cause blurred and pained vision, coughing, choking, and respiratory distress, particularly for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. High doses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can lead to chemical burns or respiratory failure, which can be fatal.
The letter also cites research from the 2020 Portland protests, noting that residents were exposed to cyanide and heavy metals regardless of participation. Medical reports documented that at least two dozen women experienced significant menstrual irregularities, believed to be connected to chemical exposure.
Community Disruption
The ongoing use of chemical munitions has also affected local schools. The Cottonwood School, a K–8 institution located near the ICE facility, relocated in August due to the risks posed by tear gas exposure. Residents at nearby apartment complexes, including many disabled veterans, continue to express deep concerns over the health and safety of their families.
The letter stresses that chemical crowd control agents are inherently indiscriminate, affecting peaceful demonstrators, bystanders, children, and individuals with preexisting health conditions. Medical experts warn that acute exposure can lead to long-term health issues, and environmental groups have raised concerns about contamination in surrounding areas, including the Willamette River.
Call for Withdrawal of Federal Agents
Lawmakers concluded their letter urging Secretary Noem to remove federal agents from Portland, arguing that their presence escalates tensions, erodes public trust in law enforcement, and places residents in danger.
“The excessive use of force by DHS federal agents has escalated tensions on the ground, eroded the trust between our community and law enforcement, and put our constituents in harm’s way,” the letter reads. “We continue to be deeply disturbed by your Department’s activities in Portland, and we urge you to remove these unwanted federal agents as swiftly as possible.”
With protests ongoing, local officials, residents, and lawmakers remain focused on addressing the public health risks posed by chemical agents, advocating for both the safety of protestors and the surrounding community. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between federal law enforcement operations and local concerns regarding public safety and civil rights.
Impact on Daily Life
For residents like Ashley, the ongoing presence of tear gas has become a daily challenge. With windows sealed and air conditioning running constantly, families face both financial strain and health risks. The disruption has also fostered community responses, such as the distribution of protective masks and ongoing calls for policy changes.
The debate over chemical crowd control in Portland highlights the broader national discussion on the balance between federal enforcement and local community welfare, particularly in areas adjacent to controversial federal facilities like ICE. Residents, lawmakers, and advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of public health.
Conclusion
As chemical munitions continue to impact Portland communities, lawmakers and residents alike are urging the federal government to withdraw agents and reassess tactics that affect both protestors and bystanders. With documented health risks, community disruption, and ongoing public concern, the situation remains a focal point for discussions on civil liberties, public safety, and accountability in law enforcement practices.
