Overview
- U.S. District Judge Michael Simon barred federal officers from using chemical or projectile munitions unless a person poses an imminent threat of physical harm, and restricted firing at the head, neck or torso absent a deadly-force justification.
- The temporary restraining order lasts 14 days and follows an ACLU of Oregon lawsuit on behalf of protesters and freelance journalists alleging excessive force and retaliation against protected speech.
- Defendants named in the suit include the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump, and DHS did not immediately comment on the ruling.
- Video and eyewitness accounts from Jan. 31 show officers deploying tear gas, pepper balls, rubber bullets and flash-bangs outside the South Waterfront facility, with gas spreading into surrounding areas and an apartment window shattered.
- The demonstration included children and seniors, drawing condemnations from Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and other officials, while DHS said some protesters tried to storm the facility; teachers’ unions helped organize the march.