On September 5, President Trump made headlines when he referred to the ongoing protests in Portland as “unbelievable” and commented on the supposed “destruction of the city.”
Later that same day, a police sergeant from Portland documented the ongoing demonstrations, noting, “I saw 8 people outside, and none of them even bothered to flip me off. It was pretty low energy.”
Daily logs from the Portland Police Bureau leading up to Trump’s fateful decision on September 27 to deploy federal troops tell a different story than what the administration claimed.
While the White House asserted that the ICE center was “under siege,” the newly uncovered police reports released in federal court reveal that protests, which initially kicked off in June, were tapering off before Trump’s actions.
The records provide insight into how the protests unfolded throughout September, alongside a timeline highlighting crucial observations from local officials in regular communication with the Federal Protective Service—a branch of Homeland Security monitoring the site.
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, defended the decision, stating, “To downplay the risks to our law enforcement after violent incidents is disgraceful and a misrepresentation of the ongoing situation. The Federal Protective Service corporation’s memo focusing on a limited few nights does not illustrate the violence escalating outside the Portland ICE facility.”
September 1 (Labor Day)
Peak crowd size: 125
Approximately 125 demonstrators showed up at the ICE facility but exhibited minimal energy according to the police report. A Federal Protective Service member expressed no concern about the gathering. They noted that some protestors had brought a makeshift guillotine, which gained significant media attention.
September 4
Peak crowd size: 20
It was reported that homeless individuals were allegedly pressured by other demonstrators into shaking the gates at the ICE facility, as per police remarks. One elderly man was briefly detained after asking agents if he could rattle the gate to disperse the instigators.
September 5
Peak crowd size: 8
On this day, Trump hinted at sending troops to Portland during a press conference. He sought to emphasize the protests stating they were “unbelievable” and described the damage done to the city. The police documented a stark reality later that night:
September 11
Peak crowd size: 20
A police summary mentioned there was not much action that night aside from a small group of counter-demonstrators showing up.
September 24
Peak crowd size: 10
Portland police indicated that the scene at the ICE facility was fairly quiet, with fewer than 10 participants present. They reported, “No assaults or calls for immediate assistance.”
September 25
Peak crowd size: 20
Trump intensified his rhetoric, telling reporters that no one had ever experienced such chaos. He alleged that professional agitators were aiming to damage increasingly significant buildings—federal and otherwise—and pledged he would take substantial measures against troublemakers in Portland.
September 26
Peak crowd size: 15
Reports from Portland Police indicated a somewhat inactive group outside the ICE facility, mainly just sitting around and walking. “Activity was minimal, and as police cruised by, they occasionally received sarcastic gestures from the crowd, but eventually the group stopped interacting with police.”
September 27
Peak crowd size: 60
Trump used his Truth Social account to declare that he was directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide troops necessary to protect Portland and the ICE facilities from alleged attacks by Antifa and other perceived domestic terrorists. He mentioned considering full force, if required.
Following Trump’s announcement, protesters swelled, leading to one arrest for blocking traffic around the ICE facility.
September 28
Peak crowd size: 200
On this day, Wall Street Journal reporter Joe Barrett documented a rally that formed against impending troop deployment. At this rally were various characters, including a nude woman, demonstrators carrying signs such as “F**k ICE,” and other outrageously themed slogans. The demonstrations involved chanting, drumming, and actively blocking streets. After sunset, music and dancing replaced earlier tensions, while the PandoPolice confirmed several instances where they intervened with pepper spray.
A vehicle reportedly attempted to push through the crowd, adding to tensions that evening.
September 29
Peak crowd size: 40
Locals reported that the crowd had reduced significantly, with new arrivals showcasing signs like “DUE PROCESS ISN T OPTIONAL.” The group had a quirky character wearing a chicken costume leading them.
Officials noted escalating conflicts included counter-protesters guarding against protesters despite the overall mood intensifying thanks to Trump’s earlier announcements.
October 4
A Federal judge, appointed by Trump himself, struck down the troop deployment temporarily. The judge emphasized the state’s access to “solid evidence” suggesting the Portland protests had, in the recent days, not substantially disrupted daily life or warranted federal force. She claimed past incidents didn’t necessitate federal intervention beyond local police capabilities.
The judge highlighted the disconnect between Trump’s statements and the factual accounts.
Trump vowed to fight against this development, proclaiming, “Portland is crumbling under confusion. There are insurrectionists everywhere.”
For more information, reach Zusha Elinson at zusha.elinson@wsj.com
