Photojournalism at Portland, Oregon ICE Facility.

Michael Ballard (Nilas)
Oct 17
5 min read

Updated: Oct 28

The purpose of this archive is to document the Portland, Oregon, ICE protests.

Short Note

I have limited time to attend (Dad, businesses). Post Oct. 5th, when I attend, I roam the grounds and take pictures of anyone, anything, and everything, maintaining an unbiased approach with my camera in hand. As a Portland local and business owner, it's important to note that the protests at the ICE facility are in a very small area. A block away, it's a well-kept, peaceful, quaint, and affluent Portland neighborhood.

Short notes for people considering participating in documenting or attending these protests. Masks and goggles are helpful; CS rated with charcoal filters is great. In my experience, it's not very intimidating, but don't quote me. Everyone has a different tolerance. If you cross the blue line, expect to get "pepper balled." Personally, I do not feel in danger, but I am a white male over 6ft who is used to being in crowds. Go with a friend or group if possible. Know your rights. I advocate respect and integrity, always. If you protest, be mindful of how a camera will view you for your cause. I maintain a group for interested parties. Add your notes in comments if you're experienced.

I also encourage photographers or media creators to post and profile links to similar styles of documentation in the comment section below. If you photograph with an agenda, please do not post.

Newest dates on top...

October, 22nd 2025

Report on Protest

Processing images and articles...

-Client work takes priority-

Went for images and ended up doing video without appropriate equipment, but I have clumped everything together and will do a breakdown of key moments ASAP.

Video includes MAGA agitators, an arrest (ICE would not identify what they arrested the person for), and a lot of teens who express multiple views, plus much more. Completely RAW and uncut, I didn't remove anything, stabilize, it's basically straight from the camera.

https://youtu.be/j_NGgufG0d0

October, 18th 2025

Report on Protest

Processing images and articles...

-Client work takes priority-

Fun side note: I got maced!

October, 16th 2025

Report on Protest

For a lot more activity, see October 5th below. During the hours I attended on October 16th, I witnessed what you could call a common protest. No serious provocation from any side, minimal counter-protest and altercation. No serious injuries or arrests. I took my son in the afternoon for nearly an hour and returned in the early evening for an hour or so. I'll let the pictures speak.

"Battle" is inaccurate, but one more for the sake of shenanigans.

October, 5th 2025

I'm not typically this kind of photojournalist; I am a photographer residing in Portland, Oregon, and capture weddings, portraits, and lead community events for creatives. I carry an unbiased approach when attending protests, as I'm there to capture what I see without sway. My focus was not on quality. I will post more, higher-quality footage when I attend again with proper preparation and a crew. I'm actively building a large, diverse crew of locals to tell our city's story, however it unfolds. Lastly, forgive the shaky quality in my video. I was not prepared for the video and will bring equipment for the next one.

Report on Protests and Counter-Protests

Michael Ballard of Nilas Photography presents a neutral account of the events surrounding the protests and counter-protests. I maintain objectivity, avoiding any actions or statements that could influence the perception of my photography.

Location

The protest exists within less than a block, mostly in front of the entrance to the ICE facility. A block away, there are well-lit high-rises, and Portland life exists as normal. The nearing area is actually very nice. I own a business only minutes away, and I've only ever heard the helicopters on a few occasions. It is not a "war-ravaged" city by any means.

Overview of Visits

On October 5th, 2025, I visited the protest site for the third time since the protests began. The previous visits were on October 3rd and about a week prior.

Conflict and Escalation of Conflict

Each visit revealed an increase in tensions, primarily due to the presence of counter-protesters and ICE supporters, rather than direct conflict with authorities. On previous occurrences, the main conflict was verbal from Protesters toward ICE agents. ICE facility often has it's entry blocked by protesters, but there is no clear challenge met by ICE when clearing their pathway. Many protesters will move on their own; only some refuse and don't have the majority or ability to hold any position against agents.

Protester Demographics

The majority of the crowd has consisted of anti-ICE, anti-fascist individuals, and curious onlookers. Protesters represent a mix of intentions, with no harm witnessed from anti-ICE protesters towards others. Antifa is not a group; it's an idea. The anti-fascist attendees have no organized structure. In my experience, many advocate for clearer protest and unity as a cultural whole.

ICE Actions

During my visits, ICE conducted arrests and employed non-lethal measures, such as pepper balls. While some actions appeared unwarranted, they may stem from miscommunication between ICE agents and protesters. I observed a photographer being tackled during a convoy deployment, but he was released shortly after. Another incident involved a friend who was hit by chemical balls after crossing a marked property line, leading to embarrassment but no serious injury. Pepper balls are also fired without protesters crossing any lines, in which case, gas blows into the crowds.

Portland Police Bureau's Response

Despite claims of Portland being a "war zone," the Portland Police Bureau has managed the situations effectively, as observed during my experiences.

Incident on October 5th

On this date, I witnessed a confrontation between Thomas Allen, a counter-protester, and a protester. Thomas, wearing a MAGA hat and a Charlie Kirk shirt, appeared to provoke protesters before striking one. He went well away from the primary protest scene to escalate this situation before it unfolded. I was unable to capture the moment on camera as I was attempting to de-escalate the situation. The protester, when struck, hit his skull on the concrete, leading many to believe he was seriously injured, but he recovered shortly after. Thomas Allen was arrested by the police shortly thereafter.

Counter-Protester Dynamics

Many counter-protesters distanced themselves from Thomas' actions, although some right-wing agitators contributed to heightened tensions. While not all right-wing individuals aimed to incite conflict, the majority seemed to exacerbate the situation. Some attempted to engage in debate without escalating tensions.

Protester Composition

The protesters comprised a diverse group, including local residents and individuals with various political affiliations. The majority remained peaceful, even amidst verbal exchanges between both sides.