PORTLAND, Ore. (NewsNation) — Portland finds itself divided between two contrasting identities as the city grapples with escalating homelessness and continued civil unrest — a departure from its reputation as a liberal, bohemian destination.
Daily and nightly protests have persisted for months outside the federal ICE detention facility, where demonstrators have clashed with federal officers.
The confrontations have included rock throwing, window smashing and property damage, prompting responses with tear gas and flash bangs from authorities. Several protesters have been arrested on charges including arson and assault.
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Mary Jane Elton, who identifies as both a protester and independent journalist, disputed characterizations of protester violence, claiming federal officers are the aggressors using “a disproportionate amount of force.”
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The protests represent one facet of Portland’s transformation from what locals describe as a once-thriving, quirky city to one struggling with urban decay…