Portland Mayor Condemns Tear Gassing of ICE Building Protesters

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has publicly condemned the use of tear gas against protesters outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. His remarks came after federal agents clashed with demonstrators on a Saturday afternoon.

Mayor’s Strong Criticism

In a scathing statement, Wilson directly urged ICE agents to resign and demanded that their higher-ups leave Portland. He stated, “Through your use of violence and the trampling of the Constitution, you have lost all legitimacy and replaced it with shame.” The mayor emphasized the need for accountability from the federal government.

Details of the Protest

The large gathering consisted of thousands of demonstrators, including families with children. They marched peacefully through the South Waterfront area, only to face aggressive tactics from federal agents.

• Federal agents deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets.
• The conflict erupted after some protesters crossed the property line of the ICE facility.
• Wilson described the event as predominantly lawful and peaceful, emphasizing that most attendees posed no threat to federal personnel.

Concerns and Consequences

Wilson announced plans to impose a fee on detention facilities that resort to using chemical agents against crowds. He expressed deep concern over the safety of children exposed to gas, calling for ethical reflection from those in positions of authority who make such decisions.

Eyewitness Accounts

Erin Hoover Barnett, a local resident and former reporter, recounted the fear experienced by those near the protest. She described witnessing federal agents using what resembled launchers to disperse gas into the crowd. Her experience highlighted the chaos and panic as parents hurried to protect their children amidst the turmoil.

Emergency Response

The Portland Fire Bureau was dispatched to provide medical assistance to affected individuals. Meanwhile, local police monitored the situation but reported no arrests during the protest.

As tensions rise, the Portland community continues to demand a reassessment of federal practices concerning immigration enforcement and crowd control tactics.