Oregon ICE Activity — Weekly Update (4/3/26)
A small uptick in detentions and feds pull guns on protesters at the ICE building
The last week brought a small uptick in reported ICE detentions in Oregon, with the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition recording six between March 25 and March 31. The total reported to PIRC from January through March landed at 109, a sharp decline from the previous three months where weekly detentions often neared 100.
Despite the lower numbers, in recent days, activists have recorded a significant number of vehicles coming in and out of the Portland ICE building on Macadam Avenue. It does not currently appear they are transporting large numbers of detainees.
The No Kings rally in Portland last weekend drew tens of thousands of people and protests at the ICE building heated up later.
Hundreds of protesters filled the streets in the demonstration. According to journalist Alissa Azar, federal agents rushed out for an arrest after a flag burning in the driveway. Protesters immediately pushed forward, throwing water bottles, sticks, and other objects. With over 100 people in the driveway, federal agents were forced to retreat.
Activists forced the gate to the facility open twice throughout the evening, the first time leading to an aggressive response from Portland Police and Oregon State Troopers. Notably, DHS did not deploy “less lethal” weapons despite the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals staying two preliminary injunctions restricting their use just days prior.
However, in a serious escalation, federal agents aimed multiple firearms at protesters after dark. At least one sidearm was drawn in close quarters as protesters and federal agents clashed. One protester can be seen stepping towards the officer. In another instance, an agent walking out toward the crowd brandished his rifle briefly toward the protesters.
This is not the first time DHS agents have engaged in these escalations. Months ago they aimed snipers off the roof and back in June a Border Patrol Tactical agent brandished a sidearm during the day time.
Why DHS did not use crowd control weapons is a topic of debate. Some have pointed to the possibility of it being used as leverage in some way in the upcoming court case before the 9th Circuit. It’s also possible the city’s impact fee could be having an effect on decision making—the fee could fine the ICE building’s landlord for federal agents using tear gas or pepper balls.
Whether Portland will remain a focal point of the Trump administration remains to be seen, but the heavy traffic at the ICE building may indicate a need to stay vigilant.