ICE Deploys Tear Gas on Children in Portland

On a warm afternoon in Portland, Oregon, a peaceful labor march erupted into chaos. This rally took place the day after a significant general strike in Minneapolis. Protesters, including families and young children, voiced strong opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with chants like “ICE out of Portland.”

The Tear Gas Incident

At approximately 4:30 PM, the mood shifted dramatically when tear gas was deployed by federal officers, aiming to disperse the crowd. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions, and video clips captured the scene as smoke billowed overhead.

• Number of individuals affected: An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 protesters attended.
• Time of the incident: Approximately 4:30 PM.
• Impact of gas: Witnesses described feeling incapacitated and overwhelmed.

Protester Cassie Broeker expressed disbelief that law enforcement would resort to such extreme measures against a peaceful assembly. She noted, “They gave us no warning.” Participants included nurses, teachers, and families with young children, and many reported their first experience with tear gas.

Personal Accounts and Reactions

Several protesters provided accounts of their experiences during the incident. Portland City Councilor Mitch Green, a veteran who had previously encountered tear gas, attempted to assist others before realizing the danger.

“It all just really billowed down that canyon,” he recalled. Julie Wright, a teacher, initially distant from the chaos, found herself affected by the gas, stating, “I couldn’t really see anything because, you know, my eyes were streaming.”

In the aftermath, protesters regrouped at Carruthers Park, where volunteers provided water and medical assistance. The rapid deployment of gas shocked many, leading to conversations about the safety of children present and the long-lasting impact of the event.

A Community Response

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the actions of law enforcement, stating that they had undermined their legitimacy through violence. He urged those in control of the ICE facility to resign. Wilson’s statement echoed a growing sentiment in the community, calling for legislative action concerning the use of chemical agents by federal authorities.

• Mayor’s statement: Condemnation of the tear gas use at a “peaceful daytime protest.”
• Future legislative proposals: Potential bans on the use of tear gas and other measures against ICE.

Public sentiment reflects a strong push against ICE’s presence in the city. Many protesters articulated varying opinions on how to respond to ICE, with some advocating for revoking zoning permits while others expressed caution over the potential implications of such actions.

Impact on the Community

The tear gas incident has resonated throughout Portland, sparking conversations in gyms, cafes, and community spaces. Reports of injuries and emotional distress linger among attendees and witnesses.

“You just gassed a bunch of normal, boring people who have never been gassed before,” Broeker remarked, indicating a growing awareness and anger toward aggressive policing tactics.

In conclusion, the tear gas deployment on that fateful day in Portland has left a significant mark not only on the participants but also on the broader community, igniting discussions that will likely influence local policies moving forward.