A Portland charter school says it is being forced to relocate after enduring months of protests at a nearby ICE facility.
The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science has been subjected to near-nightly riots due to its proximity to the Portland ICE field office.
Video from demonstrations shows smoke grenades and tear gas being launched on several occasions as police and ICE agents clash on the streets.
School officials say that the use of the devices is one of the main reasons they want to move the state-funded institution.
However, they are encouraging protesters to continue their actions and instead condemned ICE for using ‘munitions’ on the demonstrators.
‘We encourage you to advocate not just for our school and students, but for everyone impacted by the ongoing violence,’ the school said in a statement.
‘Your support and continuation to apply pressure on district officials regarding munitions use in the city, will not only benefit us, but the entire community.’
The protests near the Portland ICE field office escalated in recent months in response to President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
A Portland charter school says it is being forced to relocate after enduring months of protests at a nearby ICE facility where demonstrators have violently clashed with cops
The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science said it has been subjected to near-nightly riots due to its proximity to the Portland ICE field office
In June, Homeland Security shared footage on social media showing hostile confrontations between police and ICE agents, and anti-ICE demonstrators.
The clip showed protesters throwing explosives to attack the agents while trying to break into the facility.
‘Rioters launched fireworks, shined lasers in officers’ eyes to temporarily blind them, and stormed an ICE field office,’ the DHS said on X.
‘We won’t sit idly by and watch these cowards.’
Officials said five people were arrested on various charges including assault on federal law enforcement following the violence on June 19.
‘Our officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, and gang members,’ the DHS added.
‘Secretary Noem’s message to the rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down.
‘ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.’
Officials blamed ICE using ‘munitions’ and called for protesters to continue pressuring authorities. Pictured: the school’s interim executive director Laura Cartwright
Footage circulating social media shows repeated instances of demonstrators clashing with police and ICE agents on the streets. In many videos, smoke grenades and tear gas can be seen being used, which the school said is one of the main reasons they are looking to move
Protesters have used fireworks and other munitions in hostile clashes with ICE in recent months
Scrutiny on ICE operations comes weeks after Trump escalated his immigration clampdown in the wake of the passage of his ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, which dramatically increased funding to the agency.
The president directed federal law enforcement officials to use ‘whatever means necessary’ to arrest anyone who throws rocks or other projectiles at ICE agents during immigration raids, such as those seen in Portland.
‘I am on my way back from Texas, and watched in disbelief as THUGS were violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE Officers while they were moving down a roadway in their car,’ Trump posted.
He appeared to be referring to footage of protestors violently clashing with ICE agents during the raid of a cannabis farm in Camarillo, a city in Southern California.
The raid, despite the chaos, resulted in 200 migrant workers being detained. This included some juveniles who authorities say were illegally working on the farm.
‘Therefore, I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and Border Czar, Tom Homan, to instruct all ICE, Homeland Security, or any other Law Enforcement Officer who is on the receiving end of thrown rocks, bricks, or any other form of assault, to stop their car, and arrest these SLIMEBALLS, using whatever means is necessary to do so,’ he continued.
‘I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public. I never want to see a car (sic) carrying a Law Enforcement Officer attacked again!’
