An Oregon judge temporarily banned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from using forceful methods, like tear gas, against protesters. The ruling comes days after ICE agent deployed the chemicals during a largely peaceful protest outside an ICE office in Portland. The ban lasts until February 17, 2026. The decision is part of larger trend where judges resort to increasingly harsh penalties towards ICE and its agents.

Over the past several weeks, there’s been increased scrutiny towards ICE and the conduct of its agents in the field during immigration enforcement operations and during encounters with protesters. Cities like Minneapolis and Portland see repeated confrontations where agents utilize force. These displays triggered widespread criticism and backlash, especially after the death of two protesters in Minneapolis.

The judicial ban came just days after ICE agents used tear gas on a crowd of protestors in Portland. The judge explained such actions were unlawful and not justified given the protesters were unarmed and exercising their first amendment freedom of assembly. This was after several individuals filed lawsuits against the agency for the use of excessive force.

The ban prohibits ICE agents from using any munitions or weapons on any person’s head, neck or torso until February 17. The one exception is if agents are legally justified using deadly force. Typically, this only applies to situations where the agent’s life is under threat. This ban only applies to certain areas in Portland.

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