Protests against Trump, ICE unfold in Portland on Fourth of July
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Fourth of July saw its fair share of protests in the Pacific Northwest hours after President Donald Trump signed his so-called big, beautiful bill into law.
Protests were held both in opposition to Trump's policies, including those touted in the bill, and against ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.
On Friday, protesters organized a caravan from the ICE facility in South Portland to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington. The latter is the location where 54-year-old Moises Sotelo — a Newberg, Oregon vineyard worker — is being held. The rally in Tacoma was attended by Sotelo's daughter.
Earlier Friday, protests outside the Portland ICE facility got tense as demonstrators clashed with federal officers. Some protesters told KOIN 6 News they took to the streets on Friday in response to intensified ICE raids and detentions.
As part of Trump's big, beautiful bill, there was a $150 billion increase in funding for a border wall, immigration enforcement and deportations. The bill also extends cuts to Medicaid.
"They don't need more money and they're taking money away from things that we really actually need," said protester Mary Vanzant.
"The best thing we can do as the people is keep fighting," added protester Cortez Williams.
Another protest was held in downtown Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square, about two miles north of the ICE facility. It was there that a so-called "die-in" took place to oppose Medicaid cuts as part of Trump's bill.