Tens of thousands of Portlanders took to the streets this afternoon to participate in a vibrant protest dubbed ‘No Kings Day’, aimed at opposing President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign while simultaneously mocking his birthday celebration.
Wearing a variety of costumes ranging from repurposed Burger King crowns to taco outfits, the march commenced at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and was part of a larger movement that saw over 2,000 demonstrations nationwide, all responding to what many perceive as Trump’s aggressive expansion of executive power.
Portland’s march unfolded peacefully among a backdrop of heightened national tensions, highlighted by Trump deploying troops to Los Angeles to quell protests regarding his immigration policies, a military parade in Washington, D.C. to honor the president, and the tragic assassination of a Minnesota state representative that morning.
As the marchers made their way down Southwest Naito Parkway, the atmosphere in downtown Portland was reminiscent of the massive Women’s March from early 2017, with a diverse mix of families, retirees, and activists gathering to demonstrate their unity.
City Councilor Angelita Morillo energized the crowd, stating, ‘We have a group of people who are prepared to organize to defend our neighbors.’ She then led a call-and-response chant in which participants promised, ‘My love for my neighbor will overcome my fear of the fascists.’
The marchers specifically targeted the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building, a site where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents had arrested four asylum seekers in the preceding weeks. Chants of ‘Chinga la migra’ reverberated through the crowd, emphasizing their dissent against ICE.
Protesters showcased their solidarity for Moises Sotela, a man from Newberg, who had been detained by ICE just days prior to the march.
The Portland police facilitated the event by closing Naito and several adjacent streets to traffic, allowing the demonstrators to traverse the Hawthorne Bridge into the Central Eastside. Meanwhile, downtown cafes and restaurants experienced long lines as attendees sought refreshments amid the rally.
Despite the overall peacefulness of the march, tensions flared near the ICE headquarters in South Portland. Police have arrested over a dozen individuals there in the previous week, and an offshoot of the protesters attempted to make their way to the encampment. Federal agents deployed tear gas and flash-bangs to disperse the crowds as tensions escalated.
By 6:30 pm, Portland police officially declared the confrontation a riot and instructed several hundred individuals to vacate the area.
Earlier in the day, speakers encouraged participants not only to oppose President Trump but also to advocate for a better future. State Representative Travis Nelson (D-Portland) emphasized the importance of stating what the protestors stand for: ‘We are pro-justice. We are pro-community. We are pro-diversity. We are pro-equity. We are pro-inclusion. We are pro-human dignity. And we are still here.’
The waterfront spectacle was the highlight among other regional events, as seniors convened in the Irvington neighborhood and demonstrators gathered in Beaverton, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Hood River, among other towns.
Marchers brought an array of handmade signs, while some added a creative touch; one group carried a puppet of Trump, humorously crafted with a head made from a clear plastic tub of cheese puffs. An older couple sported matching felt taco hats, a playful nod to the saying ‘Trump Always Chickens Out.’
Sarah and Mark Remy expressed their frustration with the current political climate as they joined the gathering at the waterfront. Sarah shared her feelings on her Canadian roots, saying, ‘I came here for opportunities and I made a life here—I’ve met my husband, I have my kids, I have great friends and I love Portland. But it just seems messed up beyond compare, and it’s almost like Canada isn’t far enough.’
Mark reaffirmed their commitment to stay and fight for their beliefs, insisting that their choice is to remain in the community they love.
As the march progressed further, protesters voiced their disdain for President Trump, culminating under the Morrison Bridge with a loud and unified chant of ‘Fuck your birthday.’
This article has been updated to reflect a new estimate of crowd size after attendees presented visual evidence indicating the march extended over a greater distance than initially reported.
image source from：https://www.wweek.com/news/2025/06/14/portlands-anti-trump-march-stretches-nine-city-blocks/
