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Judge Extends Limits on Tear Gas at Portland ICE Site as Residents’ Case Draws Scrutiny

The next step is a March 2 hearing on a preliminary injunction sought by plaintiffs including protesters plus journalists.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon extended through March 3 a temporary order restricting federal officers from using tear gas and other munitions unless a direct, immediate threat exists.
  • The court granted the city of Portland and the state of Oregon friend‑of‑the‑court status, while DOJ attorneys objected to police commanders’ declarations altering the factual record.
  • ACLU lawyers argue federal officers will not curb force without court oversight and seek requirements such as visible identification numbers for agents.
  • In a parallel case, U.S. District Judge Amy Baggio questioned the government’s defense of tear gas that drifted into the Gray’s Landing apartments and pressed DOJ on residents’ bodily‑integrity claims; a ruling is pending.
  • A widely shared video shows a DHS agent responding "And you liked it" after a protester alleged inappropriate touching outside the ICE facility, with DHS asked for comment.