PORTLAND (NewsNation) — Tensions are high in Portland as nightly protests outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility swell heading into the weekend.
At least three people, including a prominent conservative influencer, were arrested during Thursday night’s demonstrations after police said fights broke out among protesters. Federal officers were also deploying chemical agents on the crowd.
Since June, nearly 150 people have been arrested at the South Portland ICE facility, where protests have been nearly non-stop.
5 arrested as feds, anti-ICE protesters clash at Chicago-area facility
While most demonstrators have remained peaceful, clashes have occasionally turned violent, prompting federal officials to consider a stronger response. President DonaldTrump has referred to the situation as a “war zone” and a “hellhole.”
National Guard deployment under review
Roughly 200 Oregon National Guard members are now under federal control and undergoing specialized training at a coastal base ahead of possible deployment. It remains unclear if they will be armed, but Trump has authorized the use of “full force.”…