Encampment Dismantled Outside Portland ICE Facility
In an effort to open up a sidewalk near the ICE facility in Portland, Portland Police officers came through the area Saturday night and ordered that materials at an encampment utilized by anti-ICE protesters be moved.
The area has been the site of frequent protests against ICE and the Trump administration’s immigration policies over the past few months. Demonstrations have varied in size and intensity throughout that period, ranging from peaceful to volatile. Various instances of arrests and federal agents using teargas have taken place. In recent weeks, counter-protesters voicing support for ICE have also demonstrated outside the facility, and opposing groups have at times clashed in the area.
An encampment had been set up on a sidewalk along South Bancroft Street just over 100 feet from the ICE facility, and it was utilized by anti-ICE demonstrators.
Portland Police came through around 8:30pm Saturday night and told protesters that violations of Portland’s City Code will start to be enforced.
The encampment was dismantled as police remained in the vicinity, with items such as a canopy, tent, gas can, and propane tank removed.
The move was celebrated by counter-protesters out near the ICE facility. Several watched close by during the removal process, and some chanted and cheered Saturday night.
Watch video of interactions between police and protesters and dismantling of the encampment here: