Violence Breaks Out at Portland ICE Detention Center as ‘Woke’ Crowd Tries to Storm Holding Cells

Violence broke out at a Portland, Oregon ICE detention facility after hundreds of demonstrators tried to break into holding cells during a protest.

Law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke bombs in an effort to disperse the crowd, some of whom were tackled to the ground by officers.

Independent journalist Katie Daviscourt posted footage on social media showing bright flares lighting up the area as demonstrators clashed with police in riot gear.

The demonstration marked the 28th consecutive day of protests at the Portland ICE facility, sparked by opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.

Daviscourt reported that officials declared the protest an unlawful assembly, and several people were taken into custody. The Portland Police Department has not released a formal statement.

The unrest came just hours after President Trump signed a sweeping $150 billion package into law, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill.” The measure increases funding for border wall construction, ICE operations, and deportation efforts, while simultaneously reducing Medicaid spending.

Earlier in the day, demonstrators gathered in Pioneer Courthouse Square—about two miles from the ICE building—for a symbolic “die-in” to oppose the Medicaid cuts included in the bill, the Daily Mail reported.

“We don’t need more money for ICE,” said protester Mary Vanzant to local station KOIN 6. “They’re taking money from services we truly need.”

Activist Cortez Williams emphasized the need for continued pressure, stating, “The best thing we can do as the people is keep fighting.”

A separate protest caravan traveled from South Portland’s ICE facility to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, in response to the detention of 54-year-old vineyard worker Moises Sotelo.

According to his daughter, Alondra Sotelo-Garcia, her father was arrested by ICE agents outside a church and later moved to the Tacoma facility.

Alondra said her father’s truck was left parked where he usually drives, raising her concerns. She tracked his phone and discovered he had been taken to the Portland ICE center.

“He’s a good man, a hardworking taxpayer,” she said. “He’s a father, grandfather, and uncle.” When she arrived at the detention facility, she saw her father in ankle shackles, smiling in an effort to reassure her.

She declined to comment on his legal status but described the experience as deeply painful. A banner outside the center now reads, “Free Moises.”

“When it happens to your own family, everything changes,” Alondra said. “Even if you’re a citizen, being brown puts you at risk.”

Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-CA) confirmed that two vineyard workers had been arrested by ICE agents in Newberg, Oregon, though the agency has not disclosed names or details.

Salinas issued a statement noting she is in contact with ICE to ensure that detained individuals receive due process. She also said she has spoken with Latino leaders to help inform residents of their rights.

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