South Waterfront Protests Lead to Arrests
On October 7, 2025, the South Waterfront in Portland was the scene of significant protests, which resulted in multiple arrests. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) was actively monitoring the area, coinciding with the visit of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Police Response to Protests
The PPB initiated an Incident Command Team to manage the situation. This team was led by a Crowd Management Incident Commander (CMIC) and utilized various resources, including:
- Dialogue Liaison Officers (DLOs)
- Rapid Response Team (RRT)
- Air Support Unit
- Mobile Field Forces
- PPB Sound Truck
Dialogue Liaison Officers, identifiable by their white uniforms, aimed to engage with demonstrators without enforcing laws.
Arrests Made During Protests
At 3:59 p.m., Leah Bothamley, a 43-year-old from South Dakota, was arrested on a harassment charge. She was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center.
Later, at 8:48 p.m., Eric Sanchez, 32, from Kelso, Washington, was arrested. He faced charges of Assault in the Third Degree and Robbery in the Second Degree linked to an earlier incident from September 28, 2025.
Chasing a Suspect
Around 9:52 p.m., a disturbance occurred near South Bancroft Street and South Bond Avenue. Officers pursued a suspect fleeing toward the Willamette River. The suspect attempted to evade arrest by swimming across to Ross Island.
A response team, including K9 units, was dispatched via a Portland Fire & Rescue boat. The suspect was apprehended shortly after 1:30 a.m. The individual’s identity and charges will be disclosed later.
Overview of Arrests
These recent events contributed to the total of 40 arrests made by the PPB in the South Waterfront area since protests began in early June. The department expresses gratitude for the partnership with Portland Fire & Rescue and the Oregon State Police.
Maintaining Public Safety
While the PPB does not participate in immigration enforcement, as outlined in PPB Directive 810.10, it is committed to public safety and enforcing state laws. A police perimeter remains in effect around the ICE facility.
Chief Bob Day has communicated with the community regarding the police’s approach to maintaining order during these ongoing protests.
Follow-Up Actions
The PPB continues to keep an eye on protest activities while supporting constitutionally protected rights. Notably, arrests may not occur on-site, as investigations can lead to charges later. For updates on public safety announcements and protest activities, follow the PPB on their Events channel on X (formerly Twitter).
