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

Victory! On March 9, 2026, Federal District Court Judge Michael Simon ruled in favor of protesters and journalists, granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Provisional Class Certification prohibiting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers from using crowd control munitions, including pepper balls and tear gas, in retaliation against people for nonviolent protest and reporting at the Portland ICE building.

On February 3, 2026, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, directing Department of Homeland Security officers to stop using crowd control munitions, including pepper balls and tear gas, in retaliation against people who are nonviolently protesting or reporting on DHS violence at the Portland ICE Building. The ACLU of Oregon and its cooperating attorneys submitted an emergency filing on behalf of protesters and journalists on January 27, 2026, in Dickinson (a.k.a. "the Portland Chicken") v. Trump seeking a temporary restraining order.

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 Singleton Schreiber LLP, Albies & Stark, the People’s Law Project, and BraunHagey & Borden LLP.