Portland Shooting: Possible SWAT Team Response & Initial Reports

Portland, Oregon – Portland police arrested four individuals on January 25, 2026, during protests held near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the South Waterfront area, according to police reports. The demonstration coincided with news of a fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, further fueling tensions and drawing connections to previous incidents involving ICE personnel.

Approximately 100 demonstrators gathered at Elizabeth Caruthers Park on Saturday afternoon, voicing demands for the removal of ICE from Portland and Oregon, and expressing solidarity with Minneapolis following the shooting. Protesters also referenced the recent death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother killed by an ICE agent earlier in the month, highlighting a pattern of concern over the use of force by federal agents.

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) deployed an incident management team to monitor the demonstration, which began with a rally at 4:00 p.m. Before participants marched towards the ICE facility. Prior to the rally’s commencement, officers arrested Jamie Hindery, 29, of Hillsboro, on a charge of second-degree disorderly conduct, alleging interference with a patrol vehicle. A second individual, Marvin Simmons, 77, of Banks, was cited for the same offense in connection with the same incident and subsequently transported to a hospital for an unrelated medical issue.

Later in the evening, at 6:45 p.m., Evalynn Kotasek, 30, of Portland, was arrested on a charge of second-degree criminal mischief. Police allege she attempted to remove plywood from the ICE building. The arrests occurred as demonstrators attempted to disrupt operations at the facility and draw attention to their cause.

The protests reflect a continuing pattern of activism in Portland directed against ICE and federal immigration policies. The city has experienced frequent demonstrations opposing what activists describe as hardline immigration enforcement practices. The timing of this particular protest, following the shooting in Minneapolis, underscores the broader context of national scrutiny surrounding the actions of federal law enforcement agencies.

The PPB has stated that it does not engage in immigration enforcement, as outlined in PPB Directive 810.10, but maintains responsibility for public safety and the enforcement of state laws. Chief Day’s letter to the community and a related FAQ regarding immigration are available to the public, according to a press release issued by the bureau on October 4, 2025.

The police response involved the activation of an Incident Command Team, overseeing resources including Dialogue Liaison Officers (DLOs), a Rapid Response Team (RRT), the Air Support Unit, and a PPB Sound Truck. DLOs, identifiable by their white uniform shirts, serve as liaisons to demonstrators, focusing on de-escalation and communication rather than enforcement. The Sound Truck was used to broadcast requests for demonstrators to move to the sidewalk after they began encroaching into the street and obstructing traffic.

On October 4th, two individuals were arrested for refusing to comply with requests to move from the street and for engaging in aggressive behavior towards each other, utilizing sound amplification devices. This incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing protests and maintaining order while respecting the rights of demonstrators.

A recent incident involving a Portland teenager mistakenly detained at gunpoint last spring has further strained relations between the community and the police, leading to a lawsuit filed by the parents of the teen. This incident, coupled with the ongoing protests and concerns over federal agent conduct, underscores a climate of heightened tension and distrust.

The distinction between Portland police officers and agents from other federal agencies, including ICE, can be difficult for the public to discern. Resources are available to help identify different law enforcement vehicles and personnel, according to reports. A video circulating online prompted claims about whether Portland police were threatening ICE agents, but fuller footage revealed the officer was addressing a civilian attempting to drive through protesters.

The situation in Portland reflects a broader national debate over immigration policy, the role of federal law enforcement, and the balance between security and civil liberties. The city has become a focal point for these issues, attracting both protesters and increased federal attention, including plans announced by President Trump to deploy the National Guard to support ICE agents and protect federal buildings.

The ongoing protests and arrests demonstrate the continued commitment of activists to challenge ICE’s presence in Portland and advocate for changes to immigration policies. The PPB’s role remains focused on maintaining public safety and enforcing state laws, while navigating the complexities of managing demonstrations and addressing community concerns.