A significant and powerful demonstration, titled "Labor Against ICE," has attracted thousands of participants in downtown Portland. On Saturday afternoon, a vibrant group commenced their march from Elizabeth Caruthers Park, making their way towards the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building located in the South Waterfront area of the city. This event has led to police imposing road closures in the vicinity to ensure public safety and manage the large crowd.
As the demonstration unfolds, all streets surrounding Elizabeth Caruthers Park have been blocked off, creating a clear route for the marchers heading toward the ICE facility. Specifically, S Bancroft St is closed at S. Macadam Ave, restricting vehicle access to the area.
In a statement, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) indicated their commitment to overseeing the protest, assuring the public that they could expect to see officers present in the area to facilitate safety measures and assist with any needs that arise during the event.
This rally is notable not only for its size but also for the fact that members from at least 30 different labor unions are participating in this united front against ICE. Union leaders spoke passionately to the assembled crowd, emphasizing that the increase in ICE enforcement significantly impacts workers throughout Oregon, making it a critical labor issue.
One participant, Nathaniel Hancock, who works at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Beaverton and belongs to SEIU Local 49, expressed his motivation for attending. After witnessing similar events in Minneapolis, he felt compelled to show solidarity. "There are far more people here than I anticipated," he remarked, feeling inspired by the turnout. Although he is uncertain about the immediate outcomes of the protest, he hopes it fosters community connections and strengthens solidarity among workers during these trying times. "I can’t predict if today will lead to change, but I genuinely hope it helps build a stronger sense of community and unity among the working class," he shared.
The level of union participation in this protest is reportedly unprecedented in Portland in recent years, according to organizers. Tyler Fellini, the executive director of Portland Jobs with Justice, noted that such a mobilization—driven not by a strike but rather by workers advocating for justice—is relatively rare. He attributed this surge in activism to the recent general strike by labor unions in Minnesota, which has drawn national attention following troubling incidents involving federal agents in that state.
The tragic shooting of Alex Pretti, a nurse and union member, by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24 sparked outrage and protests against ICE's presence in Minnesota. This incident prompted the president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO to call for ICE to withdraw from the region, emphasizing the urgency for labor movements to take action. "There’s definitely a newfound urgency for labor groups to be involved," Fellini noted, highlighting a collective desire to stand up against oppressive actions.
The protests on Saturday are also a continuation of a nationwide general strike that encouraged Americans to abstain from work and shopping, urging businesses to close for the day. Although many businesses in Oregon chose to remain open, several committed to donating a portion of their sales to support immigrant rights initiatives.
In Eugene, the situation escalated when police declared a riot late Friday night, claiming that some protesters entered the Federal Building amid ongoing demonstrations against ICE as part of the nationwide strike.
While the turnout for Saturday's demonstration remains uncertain, numerous unions have reported a strong interest among their members. There are already plans for additional separate demonstrations to converge at the location.
Melissa Unger, executive director of SEIU Local 503, shared that many of her union's members have begun carrying their passports while at work due to fears of potential encounters with immigration enforcement agents. "I've spoken to workers who’ve said they only leave their homes for work," Unger explained, noting that there is widespread anxiety regarding ICE's unpredictable tactics in detaining individuals.
Meg Ward, president of CWA Local 7901, echoed these concerns, expressing worries that the federal government might initiate operations in Oregon akin to those currently seen in Minnesota. She suggested that this protest serves as a vital training opportunity for labor unions in Oregon to strategize and respond effectively. "This is uncharted territory for us, and it’s crucial that we prepare for similar challenges in the future," Ward asserted.
As the protest continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the role of labor unions in advocating for social justice and the protection of workers' rights. How do you feel about the union's involvement in protests like these? Do you believe these actions will make a significant impact in the fight against ICE enforcement?
