Community Voices Rise Against ICE in Portland Nightly Protests

Thu Oct 23 2025 00:10:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Nightly protests in Portland against ICE continue despite tensions, as residents and activists voice their concerns about immigration policies and community safety.

Since July, a group of protesters has gathered nightly outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland to voice opposition to immigration policies. While tensions have escalated at times, including interactions with authorities, activists like Deidra Watts express the necessity of resistance against what they perceive as a cruel system. Local residents voice mixed feelings about the protests, highlighting concerns over noise and safety, while city officials navigate maintaining order and protecting constitutional rights.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland, a banner of resistance flutters amid a sea of protesters. Night after night, activists gather to make their voices heard, determined to challenge immigration policies they deem unfair and oppressive.

Deidra Watts, one of the protesters, encapsulates the spirit of this movement as she dons her gas mask and joins the crowd. ICE is a callous and cruel machine, Watts declares during a recent evening protest which saw police using crowd-control measures in response.

These protests began escalating in intensity in mid-June, reaching a peak during nationwide marches labeled No Kings. Since then, over two dozen individuals have faced federal charges related to protests at the ICE building, drawing national attention to ongoing tensions in Portland.

Despite the protests being disruptive to local residents, many activists argue they are necessary to stand against perceived injustices. There has to be people who will stand up and make it known that this is not going to fly, Watts emphasizes.

Community members are split on the demonstrations. Some residents express frustration over the noise and disturbances, while others share their support for the cause. The narrative that Portland is hellish is over-exaggerated; it overlooks the beauty and calm just blocks away, reflected local advocate Casey Leger.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has publicly stated that federal intervention is unwelcome and emphasized his commitment to upholding free expression amidst tensions. However, the protests have put pressure on the local community, where fears and frustrations bubble just beneath the surface.

As the protests continue, they shine a light on the broader conversation surrounding immigration rights and community safety, echoing sentiments across the nation. While activists rally, local residents navigate the challenges posed by ongoing unrest, striving to balance their lives amidst a wave of dissent.