Thousands gathered in downtown Portland on Saturday for the “Labor Against ICE” protest, igniting a powerful display of solidarity among workers. The crowd marched from Elizabeth Caruthers Park to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building, forcing road closures in the area.
Portland police were present to maintain safety. They stated they would keep an eye on the situation, ensuring public peace during the event. Around 30 union members participated, emphasizing that ICE enforcement is a pressing labor issue affecting workers across Oregon.
Nathaniel Hancock, a nurse from Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and a member of the SEIU Local 49, felt inspired by the turnout. “The support I’ve seen here is encouraging,” he said. Hancock hopes the event fosters community connections among working-class citizens and creates solidarity in challenging times.
This level of union participation hasn’t been seen in years. Tyler Fellini, executive director of Portland Jobs with Justice, explained that protests like these, driven by community concerns rather than strikes, are quite rare. He pointed out that the recent strike in Minnesota, which drew national attention after ICE-related violence, sparked urgency for labor participation in local issues.
The incident involved the tragic death of nurse Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal agents. His status as a union member made the situation even more poignant, prompting widespread calls for ICE to withdraw from Minnesota.
Following national trends, some Oregon businesses chose to stay open but donated part of their profits to immigrant rights groups. Protesters in Eugene faced a tense standoff with police that same night, illustrating the heightened climate of activism surrounding these issues.
Melissa Unger, executive director of SEIU Local 503, highlighted the anxiety many workers feel about immigration enforcement, noting that some carry their passports while at work due to fears of ICE encounters. “Many only leave their homes for their jobs,” she pointed out, underscoring the climate of fear that extends beyond just the undocumented.
Meg Ward, president of CWA Local 7901, echoed these concerns, warning that Oregon might face federal actions similar to those in Minnesota. She believes the protest serves as a learning opportunity for labor unions in the state.
In summary, Saturday’s protest served as a critical moment for labor in Portland. It deepened community ties and raised awareness of how immigration policies impact workers across the spectrum. With the specter of ICE looming large, the collective spirit of those in attendance might just be the beginning of a more organized response to ongoing challenges.
For further context, you can read more about labor movements and their impact on communities in the AFL-CIO report .
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Portland Metro | Law and Justice | National Politics
