Portland Protesters Demand ICE Agent Eviction Amid Rising Violence

Hundreds gather at South Waterfront ICE facility, met with forceful police response

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Around 600 protesters, including groups like Portland contra las Deportaciones and PDX Against ICE, gathered at the South Waterfront ICE facility in Portland, Oregon on January 8th to demand the eviction of ICE agents. The protest was met with a forceful response from the Portland Police Department, who formed a riot line and pushed, hit, and arrested protesters. This event comes amid a history of escalating conflict between protesters and law enforcement at this location, including a violent incident in September 2025 where federal officers used bear spray and assaulted organizers.

Why it matters

The article highlights growing concerns about increasing state violence against protesters, fueled by explicit support from the Trump administration for aggressive tactics by law enforcement. This reflects a broader trend of escalating tensions between anti-deportation activists and federal immigration authorities.

The details

The protesters condemned the Trump administration's 'mass deportations' program and chanted 'I don't see no riot here! Why are you in riot gear?' Some protesters have shifted towards 'black bloc' clothing for anonymity and more militant tactics, in response to the police aggression. The article also references a previous violent incident on September 28, 2025, where federal officers stormed a nonviolent protest, using bear spray and assaulting organizers like Tyler Fellini.

  • The protest took place on January 8th, 2026.
  • A previous violent incident occurred on September 28, 2025.

The players

Portland contra las Deportaciones

A local group organizing against deportations and ICE presence in Portland.

PDX Against ICE

A Portland-based activist group focused on opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Portland Jobs With Justice

A supportive organization that associates with the anti-ICE protesters.

Tyler Fellini

An organizer with Portland Jobs With Justice who was assaulted by federal officers during the September 2025 protest.

Holly Brown

A representative of Portland contra las Deportaciones who highlighted the need to channel the growing energy of the movement into concrete action.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Expresses concern that the trump administration's endorsement of ICE violence is paving the way for increased state violence, similar to the rise of far-right violence during Trump's previous term. He was personally assaulted by federal officers in September 2025.”

— Tyler Fellini, Portland Jobs With Justice

“Highlights the need to channel the growing energy of the movement into concrete action.”

— Holly Brown, Portland contra las Deportaciones

What’s next

The article does not mention any clear next steps or future newsworthy events related to this story.

The takeaway

This case illustrates the escalating tensions between anti-deportation activists and federal immigration authorities, fueled by the Trump administration's endorsement of aggressive tactics by law enforcement. It raises concerns about the potential for increased state violence against protesters and the need for the movement to channel its energy into effective, concrete actions.