Oregon ICE Activity—Weekly Update (3/11/2026)
Two Major Legal Wins and Migra Watch Trainings
ICE detentions appear to have remained low in the first weeks of March, likely due in part to a court order restricting federal agents from making warrantless arrests across the state. Despite lessened activity, Migra Watch trainings with the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition have continued, including one tonight at 7 p.m. and another tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.
Immigrant rights advocates continue to rack up legal wins in Oregon restricting ICE. Two parallel preliminary injunctions now significantly restrict federal agents’ legal authority to use tear gas and other chemical munitions at the Portland ICE building.
The first ruling from Friday by Federal District Court Judge Amy Baggio relates to a lawsuit filed by tenants in an apartment building next to the ICE facility. Baggio limited the use of chemical munitions to only when an officer reasonably fears for their life—a massive departure from federal agents’ indiscriminate use that colored the past year.
Baggio wrote in her ruling that it was difficult or impossible for tenants to eat, sleep, or breathe normally in their homes because of the chemical attacks. She acknowledged instances of vandalism and even assault on federal officers, but noted that agents’ use of tear gas went against DHS’s own use of force standards.
The other injunction, ruled on by Judge Michael Simon on Monday, pertains to federal agents using excessive force on protesters outside the ICE building. The order sets similar restrictions on federal agents using chemical munitions, but adds that they must also be identifiable at a reasonable distance. The details surrounding identification remain in limbo as Simon ordered lawyers for the federal government and those representing protesters to arrange an agreement.
The details of this case are particularly troubling. Not only have DHS agents failed to follow their own use of force standards and improperly handled internal investigations, but Simon also found that agents had an unwritten policy to use excessive force on protesters, in part to chill First Amendment rights. Simon called videos of these incidents “both unambiguous and disturbing.”
Both of these injunctions may well be appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals where they would likely face a three-judge panel to rule on their constitutionality. A similar procedure occurred in the National Guard case in Portland, which has since been abandoned by the Trump administration.
Despite lessened ICE activity, immigrants are still struggling and live in an environment of fear in Oregon. If you would like to support a Portland-based family in need, here is a GoFundMe I can recommend.