Portlanders Hold Rival Rallies on ICE Following Naked Bike Ride
Portland, Oregon, has become a focal point for protests centered around Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the potential deployment of National Guard troops. Events are unfolding quickly as a federal appeals court deliberates on troop deployment decisions, following an emergency hearing.
Legal Developments on National Guard Deployment
The legal contention over the deployment of National Guard troops in Portland reached the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. This occurred after the Trump administration contested a federal judge’s temporary restraining order, which had blocked troop deployment. As of Wednesday, a court order allowed 200 National Guard members to remain federalized but prohibited their deployment until further notice.
Recent Protests at the ICE Facility
Protests have surged outside the Portland ICE building, drawing attention from both supporters and opponents of federal actions. Here are key events from the protests:
- 3 a.m.: Portland Police announced two arrests during protests near the ICE facility.
- 3 p.m.: Approximately 200 members of Portland Contra Las Deportaciones marched to the ICE building to protest.
- 4:18 p.m.: The ‘Emergency Naked Bike Ride’ joined the protests, bringing the crowd size to around 500.
- 5 p.m.: Federal agents deployed pepper balls into the crowd and detained two individuals.
- 5:02 p.m.: A third person was arrested outside the facility by federal agents.
- 5:18 p.m.: Approximately 20 counterprotesters gathered in support of federal agents at the Portland ICE facility.
Arrests Related to Protests
Amid the protests, two individuals were notably arrested. Harold Alston Smith, 32, of Portland, was charged with fourth-degree assault against Brian Wesley Crowell-Drogt, 33, of Beaverton, who was subsequently hospitalized. Crowell-Drogt was also arrested for fourth-degree assault during the unrest.
The ongoing situation in Portland highlights the tension surrounding immigration enforcement and the use of federal resources. As court decisions loom, the community remains on edge, advocating for various perspectives on the role of ICE and military presence in local protests.
