Federal agents deploy tear gas as ‘No Kings’ protest spirals outside Portland ICE facility

PORTLAND, OREGON: Law enforcement deployed tear gas and made arrests outside a federal immigration building on Saturday, October 18, after a “No Kings” protest in the city turned chaotic. What began as a peaceful march through downtown Portland escalated into a confrontation near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement.

The day started with thousands flooding the streets as part of a coordinated national movement against President Donald Trump’s administration. Demonstrators carried banners reading “No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings” while marching through Waterfront Park and nearby streets.

However, tensions rose shortly after midday when protesters approached the federal property. Smoke began filling the air as police in riot gear moved in, issuing multiple dispersal orders through sound trucks.

Three people detained as protest escalates outside Portland ICE Facility

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) confirmed that three people were detained following an alleged assault during the protest. One individual was arrested and booked into jail, while two others remain under investigation. 

As officers moved in, they used tear gas and other crowd control measures to disperse the group. Some protesters were seen wearing gas masks and goggles while chanting at the advancing police line.

“If you stay in the street, you may be arrested or cited for applicable laws,” one announcement warned. “Failure to comply with officer orders may subject you to crowd control measures, including impact munitions or other physical force,” another declared.

The Incident Management Team, led by a Crowd Management Incident Commander, was activated to oversee the situation, which continued into the evening.

Nationwide rallies mark second major ‘No Kings’ protest

The Portland protest was one of more than 2,600 rallies planned across the country as part of the second “No Kings Day” event this year. The movement brands itself as a stand against “authoritarianism and cruelty,” criticizing what organizers call Trump’s “crusade against immigrants, healthcare, and free speech.”

Marches took place in Chicago, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, drawing hundreds of thousands nationwide.

In Portland, organizers with the "No Kings Coalition" had earlier urged participants to remain peaceful and “committed to de-escalation and safety.” Despite those calls, local officials reported escalating tension between protesters and officers by the afternoon.