Portland Veteran Slammed to Ground, Gassed, and Pinned by DHS in Shocking Attack

PORTLAND, Ore. – A peaceful demonstration outside Portland’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility turned violent late Wednesday when a U.S. military veteran was tackled from behind, slammed to the ground, and pinned by Department of Homeland Security agents.

The incident, which occurred around 10:20 p.m. on August 13, 2025, outside the ICE building at 4310 S. Macadam Avenue, left witnesses outraged and sparked fresh calls for accountability.

What Witnesses Saw

According to multiple bystanders and footage circulating online, the veteran had been standing quietly on a public sidewalk, not blocking entry to the facility, when a DHS agent in tactical gear charged him from behind.

The force of the hit knocked the man to the pavement, where three agents held him down for nearly two minutes while tear gas filled the air. Protesters say the gas was deployed as part of a wider crackdown that night, with DHS agents reportedly firing “less-lethal” munitions from the roof of the building at civilians below.

One witness described the assault in a letter to Portland city officials as:

“A clear example of unreasonable safety threats to the public, residents of the neighborhood, the environment, and the public Right Of Way.”

That same letter urged the city to investigate DHS’s conduct as a violation of the ICE facility’s Conditional Use Permit, which prohibits posing “an unreasonable safety threat for nearby uses and residents.”

Online Outrage

Reaction to the footage was swift and furious, particularly on social media.

“What the f***, that’s a hard and cheap shot from behind on a guy just standing there,” wrote one Reddit user.
Another commenter warned of the danger, saying: “He could’ve so easily cracked his skull upon impact. That agent’s actions were utterly stupid.”

Many users accused DHS of escalating tensions deliberately and disregarding constitutional rights. One comment read bluntly:

“These are Americans doing this. They deserve nothing short of life sentences for stomping on the constitution like they’re doing.”

A Pattern of Federal Escalation

Activists say the attack is part of a larger trend of federal agents using increasingly aggressive tactics during Portland protests.

Over the past year, DHS has repeatedly been accused of deploying tear gas, flash-bangs, and less-lethal munitions against demonstrators, often without clear provocation. Critics argue these actions disproportionately target peaceful protesters and threaten the safety of nearby residents.

On Wednesday, multiple witnesses reported DHS firing projectiles from the rooftop of the ICE building into the crowd gathered on the sidewalk below—another move they described as excessive and unprovoked.

Unanswered Questions

The veteran’s medical condition remains unknown. As of press time, DHS has not released a statement or responded to media inquiries.

Local activists have urged Portland residents to demand action by calling the City Code Enforcement office at 503-823-2633 or emailing codec@portlandoregon.gov. They want the city to consider revoking ICE’s permit for repeated violations of public safety.

Growing Divide

For Portland’s activist community, the August 13 incident highlights the widening gap between federal agencies and the public they are tasked to serve.

Protesters maintain that demonstrations outside the ICE facility were peaceful until DHS intervened with overwhelming force. The sight of a veteran—someone who once served his country—being thrown to the ground and gassed has only deepened frustration.

Community organizers say they will continue to document these incidents and press city leaders to take action, even as tensions rise.

Conclusion

What unfolded Wednesday night was more than just a confrontation at a protest—it was, for many, a symbol of federal overreach and disregard for constitutional rights.

With DHS silent, activists demanding accountability, and the veteran’s condition still unclear, the incident has intensified an already volatile relationship between Portland’s residents and federal authorities.

As one local activist said after watching the footage: