PORTLAND, Ore. — A resident living within 50 feet of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in south Portland has sharply criticized city leadership and law enforcement for what he describes as inaction during ongoing protests.
In public remarks recorded outside his home, the man accused Portland city officials of failing to enforce noise or disturbance ordinances, even as nightly protests and clashes around the ICE building have persisted for months. He claims the situation has disrupted daily life for neighbors, including veterans and families.
“It’s ridiculous… What they’re doing to these people that live here — that’ve been in the Iraq War and Desert Storm with PTSD … shaking in the elevator,” the resident said. He also described seeing families and little children crying and expressed anger at the city for allowing a daycare and a school across the street to be shut down due to safety concerns.
Local news coverage confirms that residents in buildings surrounding the ICE facility have reported ongoing disturbances, including explosions, loud noises, and late-night activity. Some neighbors say the disruptions have been nearly continuous, raising concerns about quality of life and safety.
Portland police have characterized the protests as mostly localized and contained to a few blocks near the ICE building, and have made arrests in response to assaultive or destructive conduct.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to Portland to help stabilize unrest around the ICE facility — a move that has faced legal opposition from state officials alleging overreach.
A federal judge later issued a restraining order blocking the deployment of the National Guard, citing questions over whether the protests met the threshold for military intervention.
At this time, city officials have not released a public response to the resident’s statements, although local media say the city is under pressure to balance protester rights with community safety.
