Flag Burning and “USA!” Chants Collide Outside Portland ICE Facility

October 3 2025 – PORTLAND, Oregon – Confrontations erupted outside the Portland ICE Detention Center on Friday night as opposing groups of protesters faced off over immigration enforcement.

Anti-ICE demonstrators gathered outside the South Portland facility, some burning American flags, while pro-ICE supporters waved held US flags and shouted “USA! USA!” and “Nick! Nick!” – a support for reporter Nick Sortor, who was arrested the previous night during a protest at the same location.

Many in both groups wore black clothing, a tactic known as “black bloc,” which made it difficult to distinguish between sides.

According to the Portland Police Bureau, two men were arrested that evening after refusing to comply with orders to move off the street.