A violent protest that escalated into a riot outside a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland left four federal officers injured Saturday evening, as demonstrators launched fireworks, hurled rocks, and lobbed smoke grenades at federal law enforcement agents.
The unrest began late in the afternoon and intensified into chaos by early evening. Rioters reportedly broke a glass door, disturbed the peace, and threw objects. Despite the violence, the Portland Police Bureau did not assist ICE in securing the federal facility.
Federal law enforcement officers successfully regained control of the premises, though the confrontation left four ICE officers injured. According to the PPB, one federal officer was injured but did not require treatment, and the bureau facilitated access for medical support.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a direct statement in response to the violence: “You will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. If you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
At 6:38 pm, the Portland Police declared the protest a riot. Three were arrested for attempted assault of a public safety officer, criminal mischief, and theft. Still, the police response remained limited, with officers focusing on isolated criminal acts rather than broader crowd dispersal.
The Portland Police say they are prohibited by state and local laws from participating in immigration enforcement activities. They have stretched that to mean they will not help protect federal officers under siege, if those officers are with ICE. Portland’s progressive policing reforms, such as the 2020 ban on tear gas by city police, likely influenced the department’s strategy during the riot.
The police described the riot in a press release that said, “During the afternoon of Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) facilitated a large-scale peaceful demonstration and march with tens of thousands of participants. Numerous resources were used for this event. As PPB members were pivoting toward its planned response to ongoing protests in the area of the ICE Building, located in the South Portland Neighborhood, they learned criminal activity was starting to occur.
“PPB’s resources were being put into place at this time. These resources included Dialogue Liaison Officers, Rapid Response Team, Mobile Field Forces, Sound Truck, Air Support Unit were managed by an Incident Command Team. At 5:49 p.m., PPB was informed that a federal officer had sustained an injury from the crowd. Portland Police announced to the crowd that a medical event had been reported from within the facility and to not interfere with police and medics in their response to render medical aid. Shortly after, PPB declared a riot due to ongoing criminal activity. At 8:11 p.m., officers made one arrest for Attempted Assault of a Public Safety Officer. As the situation stabilized, PPB learned the federal officer did not require medical treatment.
“Throughout the night, PPB observed criminal behavior which resulted in targeted arrests. Officers on bikes conducted visibility patrols in an attempt to deter crime but also recognized that at times their presence escalated the crowd. During those times, the decision was made to disengage but officers remained in the area to respond to any additional criminal activity.”
The police are on record saying they were intimidated by the crowd and so withdrew from the immediate area.
“A reminder that the Portland Police Bureau does not engage in immigration enforcement as outlined in PPB Directive 810.10, but are still responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing state laws,” the department reported late in the evening.
