Protesters continued demonstrations against the second Donald Trump administration in downtown Portland on Saturday.
The demonstration, located at Terry Schrunk Plaza, focused mainly on the war in Gaza, but also the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people and undocumented immigrants. Some Oregonians are already concerned about how Trump’s promises to deport millions of undocumented immigrants could play out locally.
Finn Cunningham leads chanting at a protest against the new administration of President Donald Trump on Jan. 25, 2025. A few dozen protesters gathered for the demonstration at Terry Schrunk Plaza in Portland, Ore.
Joni Land / OPB
Kacey DeSantis, an organizer with Portland for Palestine, said it’s important for people to keep organizing throughout Trump’s presidency and continue the momentum.
“As far as Portland is concerned, what we ask of the city is to help us protect our rights,” DeSantis said. “Don’t prosecute the protesters who are trying to make a stand. We need a way to be organizing collectively and to be gathering together as a city.”
The protest had an overall small police presence, apart from a handful of officers on bicycles waiting about a block away. Police had arrested multiple protesters at a similar event on Tuesday after some people began spray-painting slogans on buildings.
Related: Hundreds protest against Trump during ‘People’s March’ in downtown Portland
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday that his office would prosecute anyone committing acts of violence or vandalism during protests.
“If people break the law, they’re going to be held accountable,” Vasquez said.
Saturday’s protest remained peaceful. The one contentious moment came when a Beaverton family stood across the street from the demonstration sporting Trump memorabilia, which saw shouting across the street.