Oregon Congressional Democrats Demand DHS Withdraw Federal Agents After Portland Use-of-Force

Oregon — Oregon’s congressional delegation is demanding that the Department of Homeland Security withdraw federal agents from Portland and halt what lawmakers describe as violent actions against civilians.

In a letter led by Ron Wyden and joined by Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Janelle Bynum, and Maxine Dexter, the lawmakers urged DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to immediately end the federal presence.

The delegation said the request follows a weekend incident in Portland in which federal forces deployed chemical agents and impact munitions during a daytime gathering of labor groups, including nurses and teachers. According to the letter, agents used tear gas, pepper balls, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades on individuals whom lawmakers described as exercising First Amendment rights.

The lawmakers asserted that the actions endangered children, elderly participants, and nearby residents, and said those targeted posed no threat to federal agents. The letter states that such conduct lacks lawful justification and constitutes a suppression of constitutional rights.

The delegation also alleged that similar federal operations have had deadly consequences elsewhere, referencing incidents in Minneapolis and deaths of immigrants in federal custody. They warned that continued deployments could result in further loss of life.

Concluding the letter, the lawmakers said they will use legislative and oversight tools to protect Oregonians and pledged to work with state and local leaders to oppose what they described as unlawful federal actions.

Portland Police reported on February 1st that since June 2025, a total number of 86 arrests have been made related to ICE protest activity.

Anti-ICE demonstrators also recently brought children to demonstrate. The use of gas and pepper balls has been regularly used as a crowd control mechanism since near nightly demonstrations began late last spring.

A federal judge has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to halt the indiscriminate use of tear gas and crowd-control munitions outside Portland’s ICE facility, granting a temporary restraining order sought by protesters. U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon ruled that chemical agents and projectile munitions may only be used when a specific individual poses an imminent threat, citing constitutional protections for free speech and protest. The order follows weekend demonstrations in which peaceful protesters, including children, were exposed to tear gas. DHS disputed claims of excessive force, while the American Civil Liberties Union and local officials said the ruling affirms First Amendment rights. The temporary order lasts 14 days unless extended, with further court hearings possible in March.