Dickinson (a.k.a. "the Portland Chicken") et al. v. Trump et al.

In the second Trump Administration, the federal government stepped up federal civil immigration enforcement in communities around the country, including across Oregon. These enforcement activities have become increasingly violent and dangerous, creating widespread fear and increased public opposition to these mass deportation tactics.

The “Portland ICE Building” has been a focal point of community opposition and has become the site of over 100 days of nonviolent protest. Despite the overwhelmingly peaceful activity, the Trump Administration has falsely characterized the building as “under siege” and has authorized “full force” in response. In an effort to suppress voices and storytelling opposed to this Administration’s policies and preferred false narratives, federal officers have targeted protesters and journalists alike with brutal levels of force, including the dangerous and indiscriminate use of near-lethal weapons like exploding tear gas canisters, pepper-ball rifles, flash bang grenades, and other repressive tools.

The lawsuit challenges these blatant attempts to retaliate against protesters and journalists and interfere with fundamental rights enshrined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceably assemble and express disagreement with the government.

ACLU of Oregon cooperating attorneys include Albies & Stark, the People’s Law Project, and Tonkon and Torp.