Federal agents used non-lethal munitions to shut down a large group of protesters who tried to block law enforcement vehicles from entering and exiting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday night.
The chaotic scenes unfolded when agents deployed rubber bullets, tear gas and flash bangs to disperse the crowd who had swarmed the compound, according to video captured by Turning Point USA’s Frontlines.
It was the latest in a series of protests outside the ICE building in the sanctuary city which have raged for about a week and a half.
Federal agents used non-lethal munitions to shut down a large group of protesters who tried to block law enforcement vehicles from entering and exiting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday night. (X/@choeshow/@frontlinesTPUSA)
Smoke grenades were launched at riot police, who responded with overwhelming force to break up the protest.
Rioters were later heard chanting, “Whose streets, our streets,” and shouting profanities at law enforcement.
Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital that five people were arrested.
“Last night, Portland rioters violently targeted federal law enforcement — 250 rioters launched fireworks, shined lasers in officers’ eyes to temporarily blind them and stormed an ICE field office,” McLaughlin said. “Ultimately, five individuals were arrested on various charges including assault on federal law enforcement. We won’t sit idly by and watch these cowards.”
She said that officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults against them.
“Secretary Noem’s message to the rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
A woman is arrested at the protest in Portland. Oregon outside an ICE facility. (X/@choeshow/@frontlinesTPUSA)
The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) said it arrested two people during the broader demonstration.
Eduardo Diaz, 22, was cited for unlawfully directing a laser pointer at federal officers and later booked on a U.S. Marshal’s hold, while Mariana Rivera-Loza, 19, was arrested for criminal trespass near the Portland ICE facility after ignoring multiple warnings and carrying a shield.
PPB said it doesn’t engage in immigration enforcement and was responsible for maintaining public safety around the protest.
