In Portland, Oregon, federal officers have been engaged in ongoing confrontations with Antifa militants who have been violently attempting to attack and besiege the local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility for over three weeks. The facility, located near a residential area and an elementary school, has been under 24/7 guard due to repeated attacks, including attempts to break in, vandalism, and arson threats. Federal agents have used tear gas and crowd control munitions to disperse rioters, resulting in multiple arrests. At least 10 Antifa militants have been federally charged, including individuals accused of assaulting federal officers, carrying weapons such as knives, and creating hazards on federal property.
Among those charged is Aziel Anav Chambers of Merlin, Oregon, who faces multiple charges including assault on a federal officer. A trans Antifa militant was also charged for attacking federal officers with a knife. Antifa militants have established a camp across the street from the ICE facility, distributing riot gear and recruiting vagrants with free food. The protests have caused significant disruption to local residents, who have repeatedly complained about loud noise and harassment late into the night. A disabled Black Portland resident has gained attention for confronting the protesters, accusing them of terrorizing the community and stating, "You're worse than ICE." Despite residents' pleas, Portland police have largely refrained from intervening, describing the protests as peaceful. Antifa has announced further protests, including a "slumber party" and an "open mic night" to continue their actions. Additionally, there are reports of Antifa coordinating via encrypted messaging apps and attempts to intimidate the building's owner by publishing his home address. The situation remains tense, with federal authorities maintaining a strong presence to protect the ICE facility and manage the ongoing unrest.
Another violent Antifa suspect has been federally charged in Portland after allegedly injuring federal agents by violently grabbing their genitals and kicking them.
Far-left queer activist August Dean Gordon (b. June 1994), of Beaverton, Ore., allegedly attacked the @ICEgov