Thousands of demonstrators who marched to the ICE building were met with pepper balls and tear gas within minutes of their arrival.

The first-hand accounts Ive been reading describe it as a massive unprovoked attack on a crowd full of kids and no real way to escape.

  • mbp@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    45·
    2 days ago

    Yeah I was there. About 200 feet from the main flash point.

    There were quite a lot of people as we were marching from the park to the ice facility and starting packing in tighter. It was a miracle there was no trample situation; everyone was calm and shuffled away orderly even though we could not see nor breathe.

    Couldn’t be prouder of my city for doing it well.

    Unfortunately I passed by many children, pets, and strollers during the march. I hope they are all doing well and I haven’t stopped thinking about you all (including the little girl with the sign made with paper saying “I hate ICE”). Stay strong and safe you all!

  • JoshuaFalken@lemmy.world
    60·
    2 days ago

    I’ve seen videos of the indiscriminate use of tear gas on a large crowd that was clearly peaceful and filled with Portlanders of all ages, and well off the macadam facility. We banned tear gas for a reason. I join Councilor Green in calling for enforcement of our laws. - Jamie Dunphy, Portland City Councillor

    I hope they are able to enforce it but when a group can murder with impunity in broad daylight, it might be a challenge to stop lesser acts.

  • daannii@lemmy.worldEnglish
    16·
    2 days ago

    I’m hearing bring buckets to cover and collect the gas. Have someone bring oven mits and face protection. Have them assigned to the task.