On Saturday night, a violent riot erupted near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon, resulting in multiple officers being injured. The incident unfolded as a mob, fueled by anger and frustration, launched a barrage of projectiles including fireworks and smoke grenades at federal law enforcement. Alongside throwing rocks, the group managed to break the glass of the facility, forcibly entering the premises to confront the officers. This act of violence, according to Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, was a direct challenge to the authority of the federal law enforcement.
The situation escalated quickly at the ICE facility, with approximately four officers sustaining injuries during the attack. Despite the violent entry and the aggressive actions of the protesters, the federal law enforcement units were able to secure the building, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of both the staff and the officers. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) had earlier declared an unlawful assembly around and near the facility, setting a warning that they would deploy measures including impact munitions or other physical force to manage the crowd.
About thirty minutes into the incident, medical personnel were called to the facility due to a reported medical event, which led to the initial reports of an injury. The PPB issued warnings via social media, advising the rioters not to hinder police operations, stating that failure to comply might result in citations or arrests. Around 8 p.m., the PPB reiterated their intentions to make targeted arrests for the observed criminal activities, including assault and criminal mischief, thus reinforcing their directive to the rioters to not interfere with police actions.
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary McLaughlin addressed the situation, stating that the department would not be intimidated by the actions of the rioters. She emphasized that ICE and its federal partners would resume enforcing the law without hesitation. McLaughlin added that those who attempted to harm a law enforcement officer would face the full extent of the law’s consequences. The Department of Homeland Security also took a firm stance against the doxxing of its agents, stating that they would not be deterred from enforcing the law despite the threats and intimidation tactics used by the rioters.