DHS claims around Portland ICE facility protests appear to not reflect reality [View all]

Although federal officials claimed there were over 100 protesters, KGW on-scene reports and resident interviews showed otherwise.

Author: Alma McCarty (KGW)
Published: 6:33 AM PDT October 2, 2025
Updated: 3:28 PM PDT October 2, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore. — A statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday described a chaotic protest at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland Tuesday, claiming that over 100 people had stormed the building and clashed with law enforcement. However, KGW’s on-the-ground reporting, as well as interviews with residents nearby, suggest the situation was not as described ...

KGW crews on the scene observed a smaller crowd, with no more than 40 people present.

"It definitely wasn’t 100 people," said Adam Marshall, a nearby resident. "Honestly, for the most part, it was pretty peaceful yesterday and it wasn’t as chaotic as they were saying" ...

As for the alleged trespassing and attacks on law enforcement, KGW reporters observed only a few protesters over the course of several days crossing a painted line on the ground and one individual placing a sign on the building. Protesters were also seen using strobe flashlights and loudspeakers, though the situation appeared largely non-violent ...

https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/dhs-claims-portland-ice-facility-tuesday-arrests-appear-to-not-reflect-reality/283-2312dd6e-7d4a-421e-a0ff-16767ba636fd