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Nearly half of ICE protest arrests end without convictions

Kale Williams

Dim street scene with a person in boots lying on the pavement, surrounded by a crowd. Tactical gear, a large backpack, rope, and a helmet sit nearby as others stand. — A protester is arrested by Portland police during May Day demonstrations outside of the ICE facility. Photo: Sean Bascom/Anadolu via Getty Images

Nearly half of the roughly 100 people arrested by Portland police during protests outside the city's ICE facility have had charges dropped, dismissed or ended in acquittals, per an analysis from Willamette Week.

Why it matters: The outcomes suggest many of the arrests resulted in relatively minor criminal penalties despite months of high-profile protests.

By the numbers: Some 96 people were arrested by Portland police at the South Portland facility between June 2025 and May 2026.

26 had no criminal complaint filed.
11 had their cases dismissed.
Five were acquitted at jury trials.

At least 28 others signed plea agreements and were sentenced to probation for between three and 18 months along with community service and fines between $50 and $115.

What they're saying: "When a public order situation is becoming dangerous, there are times where arrests are made based on probable cause to prevent a situation from further escalating," Sgt. Kevin Allen, a police spokesperson, told Willamette Week.

Context: At least 23 of those arrests stemmed from fights between people protesting ICE and right-wing counterprotesters.

What's next: "Charges can still be filed later as long as the statute of limitations has not run out," Pat Dooris, a spokesperson for District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, told Willamette Week.

Seven cases that were dismissed have already had charges refiled.

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Nearly half of ICE protest arrests end without convictions

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