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Ninth Circuit Halts Portland Tear Gas Limits, Says No Constitutional Right

The decision rejects a claimed right to be free from tear gas exposure.

Overview

  • The Ninth Circuit, in a 2-1 ruling Monday, stayed Judge Amy Baggio’s order that had curbed tear gas near the Gray’s Landing apartments next to Portland’s ICE site.
  • Judge Eric Tung wrote that the Constitution recognizes no right to be free from exposure to tear-gas chemicals used for crowd control.
  • The panel said the injunction was overbroad and that forcing a redesign of ICE uniforms with new markings exceeded the district court’s authority.
  • Citing videos and records, the majority described protests with vandalism, thrown objects, and blocked driveways that officers answered with tear gas and pepper balls.
  • The court halted further proceedings on the residents’ substantive due process claims, while plaintiffs say they will bring more evidence as the appeal moves ahead.