Recently at Portland, Oregon’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building, there has been an increasing number of protesters in pajamas who meet up at 9 a.m. every Sunday.
This group protest, coordinated by Sonia Montalbano, gathers at the ICE building and protests both the unlawful deportation and detainment of people and the guards being stationed in Portland.
“This started as a response to the federalization of the National Guard,” Montalbano said, but adds that it is also about protesting deportations without due process rights.
ICE raids have been on the rise, raiding and taking people to their detention facilities without going through the judicial system. In fact, many immigrants haven’t done anything wrong, yet they are taken away in large numbers. “It’s against human rights,” said Nicole, a protester. “It’s important to stand up for other people.”
There are approximately 60,000 people currently detained by ICE, 93% of whom have never committed a violent crime and 70% of whom with no history of crime.
Swarms of people in colorful pajamas packed together coat the street as the protests rapidly grow. “There were five of us three weeks ago, there were 20 of us here last week, and now I don’t know 90% of the people here,” said Montalbano.
These protesters have strong convictions in human rights and respecting life. Their sense of community is apparent; a musician plays her guitar while people chat and enjoy her music, cars drive by and honk in support as the protesters cheer in response.
Protestors allege that many news sources misrepresent Portland, such as Fox News, showing old footage of the BLM protests and insinuating that Portland is like that currently, when the truth is completely different. President Donald Trump has described Portland as “war-ravaged” and “on fire,” much to the dismay of many Portlanders. “[People] cannot take the bait,” Montalbano said. “The administration wants to provoke a response to justify bringing in the National Guard.”
These peaceful protests showcase Portland’s iconic slogan, “Keep Portland Weird.” Portlanders can be seen handing out free donuts in bunny masks, citizens in inflatable frog suits and impromptu naked-bike rides even in the pouring rain, a Portland specialty.
