Thousands of Oregon Union Members, Families, and Community Members Gather Peacefully, Met with Tear Gas from Federal Officers
- Oregon AFL-CIO
- Jan 31
- 1 min read
Today, thousands of union members gathered at Elizabeth Caruthers Park to rally and march peacefully to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on South Macadam Avenue to call for an end to the ICE escalation in our cities and states.
This inspirational showing marked a key moment in the fight to protect our communities, coworkers, and families, unfortunately federal agents decided to respond with violence by releasing tear gas on union members, families, children, and pets in the middle of the day during a peaceful march.
Photo credit to OFNHP, and OPB.
Below is a statement from Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor:
“This is an attack on working people, and an attack on Oregon’s labor movement,” Trainor said. “Deploying tear gas when union members, families, children, and pets came together to protest peacefully against ICE’s terrorization of immigrants and our communities in Oregon and across the country is an unacceptable escalation from federal agents. This is not okay.”
Links to photos and videos from the rally and march:
Photo of union member receiving medical care (Credit to OPB)
Photo of tear as being deployed (Credit to OPB)
The sight of thousands of people together in support of a common cause is stunning. Whether it's team spirit in a Houston Astros jacket or shared beliefs in a community movement, moments like this serve as a reminder of the power of identity markers. truly brings pride and unity to the forefront.
Excellent!!! Being raised in a Union household I'm OFFENDED that Unions are representing UNAmerican behavior! Won't stand up for abused and disenfranchised AMERICAN CITIZENS but support CRIMINALS! I no longer will support the trades! Grew up in a Pipefitters family. Friends of Iron Workers, and dated Electritions, Carpenters, and Labors! Unions are apparently have become Unacceptable DISGRACE turning on their fellow citizens who stood with them during strikes for a better life. I will wish to abolish them as NO LONGER representing AMERICAN can do attitude to uplift AMERICAN CITIZENS! I'll now feel free to cross a picket line returning their LACK of AMERICAN SOLIDARITY!!!