Oregon ICE Protests took place across Portland and Salem as hundreds of people gathered to speak out against recent federal actions. Demonstrators protested deadly and violent shootings by federal agents, immigration enforcement practices, and U.S. military involvement in Venezuela.
The protests were organized quickly after several major events. These included the fatal shooting of an unarmed woman in Minneapolis by a federal immigration officer. They also followed the shooting of two Venezuelan immigrants by border agents in Portland. Protesters also condemned recent U.S. military attacks in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of the country’s president.
Across both cities, people carried signs and joined chants calling for the end of immigration enforcement raids. Many also demanded that the United States stop military involvement in Venezuela. Organizers included immigrant rights groups, medical advocacy groups, and progressive community organizations.
In Salem, about 800 people gathered at the north end of the state capitol park. Protesters waved signs and American flags while cars passing by honked in support. The crowd remained peaceful but vocal as speakers addressed concerns over federal power and public safety.
Organizers said the protest came together in just days. They explained that news of the Minneapolis shooting shocked many people. Activists said they felt they could not stay silent, even though it was early in the year and many groups had planned to slow down after months of past demonstrations.
State lawmakers attended the Salem protest and spoke with residents. Some said they are working on new legislation for the upcoming session. These ideas include limits on how federal agents operate in the state and stronger protections for residents. Lawmakers said details will be shared soon.
In Portland, more than 200 people gathered along the riverfront. Community leaders, civil rights advocates, and anti-war activists addressed the crowd. Speakers focused on immigration enforcement, racial profiling, and the use of force by federal officers.
Many protesters said they feel fear and anger over recent events. Some said people of color are being targeted. Others said immigration enforcement has begun to feel secretive and aggressive. Protesters called for major reforms and the removal of federal agents from local communities.
Later in the day, another protest formed outside a major medical center in northeast Portland. Nearly 200 people gathered there to raise concerns about immigration arrests involving injured individuals. Organizers said the hospital has become a frequent destination for people hurt during arrests.
One of the immigrants shot by a border officer earlier in the week is recovering at the medical center. Protesters said they worry that immigration agents are being allowed too much access inside hospitals. They fear this could scare people away from seeking medical care.
Doctors and nurses joined the protest and shared concerns about patient safety and privacy. Some said patients are afraid to visit clinics or hospitals. Others said medical staff have reported federal officers seeking access to patient information.
Health advocates stressed that hospitals should be safe places. They called for clear rules that limit law enforcement access without proper legal approval. They also said officers should not interfere with medical treatment.
Nurses across the state have urged hospital leaders to sign a binding agreement. The agreement would protect patient rights during immigration arrests. These rights include requiring warrants and ensuring medical care is not delayed or stopped.
More protests were planned later that day in downtown Portland and near an immigration processing center. Organizers said demonstrations would continue until federal policies change.
Some well-known public figures and activists were expected to attend the evening events. One former supporter of the president, who later became a critic, was also scheduled to speak. She has publicly apologized for her past actions and warned about political misinformation.
As Oregon ICE Protests continue, organizers say their goal is to protect lives and civil rights. They say the protests are about safety, dignity, and accountability. Many vowed to keep speaking out until federal actions change and trust is restored.
