PPB Helps Facilitate Safe Free Speech Gathering and March; Arrests Made at South Waterfront

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) activated an Incident Management Team (IMT), which is overseen by a Crowd Management Incident Commander (CMIC), to monitor a large-scale free speech gathering and march in Portland.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., a crowd gathered at Convention Center Plaza and marched to Waterfront Park where another crowd had convened. At approximately 1:15 p.m., both crowds, estimated to be in the tens of thousands, began a march facilitated by PPB personnel that included the Rapid Response Team, Mobile Field Forces, Traffic Division, Air Support and Dialogue Liaison Officers (DLOs). DLOs, who wear white uniform shirts, act as liaisons to demonstrators. They are sworn officers with arrest powers, but their goal is to foster communication.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., the march concluded without incident at Waterfront Park, and the crowd dispersed. No police action beyond traffic assistance was necessary. PPB would like to thank community members and event coordinators for their communication and cooperation, which allowed for a safe event for all who attended.

Following the free speech gathering and march, a second IMT was activated to monitor protest activity in the South Portland Neighborhood near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building.

The CMIC managed numerous resources that included the Rapid Response Team (RRT), Mobile Field Forces, Sound Truck, Air Support and Dialogue Liaison Officers (DLOs). PPB is also grateful for the assistance of Oregon State Police and Portland Fire & Rescue.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., a crowd gathered at Elizabeth Caruthers Park and also in front of the ICE facility. The crowd at the park marched to the ICE facility, and PPB officers monitored the gathering.

At 6:49 p.m., protestors engaged in criminal activity and damaged the front gate at the ICE facility. PPB officers moved the crowd away from the facility. While doing so, large rocks were thrown at them and Oregon State Police Troopers. Once the gate was secured, PPB and OSP withdrew from the immediate area.

At 7:58 p.m., protestors again engaged in criminal activity and damaged the gate again. Eventually, federal authorities secured the gate. PPB was not involved in this activity.

Just before 9 p.m., a subject climbed onto the lower roof of the building and began vandalizing it. Officers arrested Isiah A. Lee, 26, on charges of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree. He was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center.

At approximately 10:10 p.m., PPB declared an unlawful assembly after there was additional criminal activity, including vandalism and destruction to a door and the gate. PPB Sound truck made announcements regarding the unlawful assembly and informed the crowd that police were going to make targeted arrests and to not interfere with this action. These messages were repeated on X @PPBAlerts.

Officers arrested: Isaias Laguna, 21, and charged her with Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.

Robert Stoms, 37, was charged with Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.

Since June 2025, the total number of arrests related to ICE protest activity is 89.

PPB does not engage in immigration enforcement as outlined in PPB Directive 810.10, but is still responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing state laws. Chief Day's letter to the community and FAQ regarding immigration can be found here.

PPB sends out public safety announcements via our Events channel on X (formerly known as Twitter). For ongoing updates, follow our page here.

PPB will continue to monitor protest activity. While PPB's role is public safety and supporting constitutionally protected activity, part of our role is to address criminal acts. Officers may be seen in a larger group to make targeted arrests for specific crimes committed. PPB members may also investigate crimes and conduct follow-up investigations into criminal activity later and will forward cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution when feasible. As a reminder, just because arrests are not made at the scene, when tensions are high, that does not mean that people are not being charged with crimes later.

Information on PPB's Public Order teams can be found here.

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