Portland Affordable Housing Residents Sue Feds Over Tear Gas Exposure

Residents say tear gas from nearby ICE building has sickened them and contaminated their homes.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Residents of an affordable housing complex in Portland, Oregon have filed a lawsuit against federal authorities, alleging that tear gas used outside a nearby immigration enforcement building has sickened them and contaminated their apartments. Some residents have resorted to wearing gas masks in their own homes and taking other measures to protect themselves from the tear gas exposure.

Why it matters

This case highlights the impact that law enforcement tactics can have on vulnerable populations living in close proximity to sites of civil unrest or law enforcement activity. The use of tear gas, which can cause respiratory distress and other health issues, raises concerns about the rights of residents to live safely in their own homes.

The details

Residents of the affordable housing complex, located across the street from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland, say they have experienced difficulty breathing, coughing, headaches, and other symptoms due to tear gas used by federal agents outside the ICE facility. Some have resorted to wearing gas masks, taping windows, and having children sleep in closets to avoid the tear gas exposure.

  • The lawsuit was filed on February 13, 2026.

The players

Affordable housing complex residents

Residents of an affordable housing complex located across the street from an ICE building in Portland, Oregon.

Federal authorities

Law enforcement agencies, including ICE, that have used tear gas outside the immigration enforcement building.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let federal agents continue to endanger the health and safety of our community members in their own homes.”

— Property manager

What’s next

The judge will consider the residents' request to limit federal officers' use of tear gas near the affordable housing complex.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need to balance law enforcement tactics with the rights and wellbeing of nearby residents, especially vulnerable populations living in affordable housing.