PORTLAND, OR – The American Civil Liberties Union announced on Tuesday that a settlement was reached between the Department of Justice and rioters, including Antifa and Black Lives Matter-affiliated demonstrators, who engaged in violent and illegal actions that destabilized Portland in 2020.
The lawsuit centered on allegations that federal agents deployed by the Trump Administration used excessive force against demonstrators. The ACLU accused federal law enforcement of “beating, shooting, and abducting” individuals, branding their actions as “unlawful and aggressive,” according to the Associated Press.
Over a span of 90 days in 2020, local police arrested hundreds of protesters, while federal agents detained approximately 100 individuals. Authorities responded to escalating violence with non-lethal crowd-control measures such as tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray. Despite these tactics, the ACLU referred to these as “chemical weapons” and condemned their use.
ACLU of Oregon Legal Director Kelly Simon stated that those arrested “suffered serious injuries because of federal law enforcement’s unlawful, aggressive actions,” claiming it was “just and fair” that they receive compensation. She added, “Our clients and all people who stood up for Black lives and against government tyranny.”
According to journalist Andy Ngo, known for documenting Antifa activities, the settlement was finalized in the final days of the Biden Administration’s control over the Department of Justice.
During the height of the rioting, The New York Post reported that demonstrators—many of whom were affiliated with Antifa—used slingshots to launch projectiles, including rocks, fireworks, and glass bottles, at law enforcement. Some hurled incendiary devices through the windows of the Portland Federal Courthouse. The report described protesters as “very hostile and violent” toward the police.
A July 2020 Department of Homeland Security bulletin stated that Portland had experienced “over 50 straight nights of criminal violence perpetrated by anarchists targeting city and federal properties and those that inhabit them.” Portland’s mayor at the time, Ted Wheeler, admitted that violence had been ongoing for more than a month and called for an end to the “nightly violence.”
DHS defended its response to accusations of infringing on the rights of peaceful protesters, stating, “Unfortunately, violent criminal activity is occurring in Portland. Between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m. every morning, well-organized criminal acts of violence and destruction of property (federal, public, and private) are taking place. These criminal anarchists have attempted to burn down and cause extreme damage to the federal courthouse and harm law enforcement officers.”
The Associated Press reported that as part of the settlement, the federal government agreed to compensate individuals for injuries sustained during the riots, though specific amounts were not disclosed. Plaintiffs included a college professor and several Black Lives Matter activists.
A federal report cited by the AP, conducted by the Biden Administration, found that “DHS was unprepared to effectively execute cross-component activities in Portland.” DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari noted that some officers lacked proper training, equipment, and standardized uniforms or tactics.
During the deployment between July 13 and 30, 2020, of the 755 federal agents sent to Portland, 639 were injured. Many suffered blurred vision and headaches from lasers used by rioters, temporary hearing loss from fireworks and mortar explosives, and injuries from projectiles, including steel balls, rocks, and frozen bottles. Molotov cocktails were also deployed against federal agents.
The unrest in Portland in 2020 remains one of the most prolonged and destructive waves of rioting in recent U.S. history, with Antifa playing a significant role in organizing and executing violent attacks against law enforcement and federal property.
Kathy Hochul had disabled New Yorkers ARRESTED after she caused them to lose their home healthcare Medicaid program. Hochul is dismantling the home healthcare CDPAP program which will cause tens of thousands of disabled and elderly New Yorkers to lose their benefits, healthcare aides, and many forced to move to assisted living facilities.
This protest is trying to stop her bill before it goes into effect April 1st.
In December 2024, a video surfaced showing former Watertown Mayor Jeffrey Smith receiving a ride home in a police patrol car after a night of holiday drinking. The incident has sparked controversy, with City Councilman Cliff Olney accusing Smith of receiving "preferential treatment" from the Watertown Police Department.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media this week, depicts Smith interacting with officers before being escorted into the patrol car. Councilman Olney contends that such actions undermine public trust and suggest a double standard in law enforcement practices.
In response, Smith has downplayed the incident, stating, "It's not a big deal, I drive on a suspended registration too!" This remark has further fueled the debate, with critics arguing that it reflects a dismissive attitude toward legal obligations and public safety.
The Watertown Police Department has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter. As discussions continue, the incident ...
Justin David Childers (37) 355 Keyes Ave - Childers was arrested by police for two counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Resisting Arrest & Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree degree. Police report state that he did knowingly and intentionally kick an interior bedroom door causing the door to break. Police stay he also with the intent to harass annoy or alarm another person did knowingly grab the victim by her clothing while she attempted to get away from the defendant during a domestic incident. When police arrived he did knowingly unintentionally push a uniformed officer during a criminal investigation. When placed under arrest he tensed his arms and refused to provide his hands for handcuffing. While police attempted to process Mr Childers he refused to provide fingerprints or photographs for his arrest processing. He was held pending his arraignment to City Court.
Chaniece Kaya Saintival (33) 246 Central St. - ...
Andrea Ann Brozzo (40) 409 Academy St - Brozzo was arrested on the 500 block of Clay Street in the city on an executive bench warrant for Jefferson County family Court. The defendant was transported to PSB, processed, and turned over to the Jefferson County sheriff's office.
Elvin Brandon Nieves (33) 25791 NYS RT 37 Apt#109 - Nieves is charged by police with public lewdness in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a controlled substance in the Seventh degree. Police report state that the defendant exposed his genitals to a female victim as well as a 3-year-old juvenile and did intentionally stroke his genitals while speaking to another victim at Holy Family Church located at 129 Winthrop Street. The defendant was also previously convicted of public lewdness on 04/03/2025. He was arrested on the above charges and transported to PSB where he was processed and released with an appearance ticket for Watertown city court with a date of 04/28/2025 at9:00 am.
Robert Emery Marion III (28) 163 WINTHROP STREET Apt# 3 - Marion is charged by police with criminal contempt in the first degree and harassment in the second degree. Police reports state that he did knowingly and intentionally grab a 30-year-old female DOB 02/02/1995 by her hair and then struck her in the side of the head with a closed fist. He was transported to PSB, processed and held pending arraignment.
Amber Marie Come (36) HOMELESS - Come is charged by city police with criminal mischief and the fourth degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the 5th degree. Report state she was found in possession of a key fob owned by Washington Street properties which was reported stolen earlier. She was transported to PSB where she was processed and released with an appearance ticket returnable to Watertown city court on 04/29/25.
Ryan William Stevens (18) 300 RICE ST Apt#B1. - Stevens is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree. Police state that Stevens did commit the offense of ...