Portland Police Respond to Planned and Unplanned Demonstrations
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) closely monitored protest activity across the city, responding to both planned events at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and Dawson Park, as well as an unplanned march downtown and activity near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland. An Incident Management Team, overseen by a Crowd Management Incident Commander (CMIC), was activated to ensure public safety during these events.
Waterfront Park and Dawson Park Events
PPB Dialog Liaison Officers (DLOs)—sworn officers wearing white uniform shirts—played a key role in facilitating the planned event at Waterfront Park, prioritizing communication with event coordinators. These officers, while possessing full arrest powers, are specifically trained to de-escalate situations and foster dialogue between protesters and law enforcement. The coordinators successfully managed the event with limited police intervention,and participants dispersed peacefully back to the park. A separate, smaller event held at Dawson Park required no police intervention whatsoever.
Protest Activity Near ICE Building and Resulting Arrests
Later on Saturday, the PPB activated its Incident Management Team again to monitor protest activity in the South Portland neighborhood centering around the ICE building. This activation included deployment of the Rapid Response team (RRT), DLOs, Mobile Field Forces, the Air Support Unit, and personnel operating a Sound Truck.During this monitoring, officers identified and apprehended two individuals wanted for unrelated previous offenses.
Arrest of Hailey M. Knight
Hailey M. Knight, 27, of Portland, was arrested on probable cause for Harassment.This arrest relates to an incident on January 9, 2026, near South Bancroft Street and South Moody Avenue, where Knight allegedly pushed a Portland Police Officer during a public order event (PPB Case Number 26-9245). Harassment, under Oregon law, can include unwanted physical contact, and an officer being physically assaulted during the course of their duties is a serious offense.
Arrest of Jennifer M. Bitgood
Jennifer M. Bitgood, 43, whose address is currently unknown, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for unlawful Use of a Weapon and Coercion (PPB case Number 25-348901). The warrant stems from a shooting incident that occurred on December 21, 2025, in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood. It’s important to note that another individual was previously arrested and charged with Attempted Murder in connection with this shooting; further details regarding that case will be released by the PPB at a later date.
Total Arrests Related to ICE Protest Activity
To date, a total of 82 arrests have been made in connection with protest activity related to ICE. While the number of arrests can fluctuate, this figure reflects the sustained level of protest and occasional instances of unlawful behavior associated with these demonstrations.
PPB’s Role and Policy Regarding Immigration Enforcement
The Portland Police Bureau emphasizes that it dose not engage in immigration enforcement activities, as explicitly outlined in PPB Directive 810.10. The Bureau’s primary responsibility remains maintaining public safety and enforcing state laws. Chief day’s statement to the community addressing concerns around immigration enforcement and a helpful FAQ document are available here.
Staying Informed: PPB Public Safety Announcements
The PPB utilizes its X (formerly Twitter) Events channel (@PPBAlerts) to disseminate public safety announcements during ongoing events. Following this channel provides real-time updates regarding demonstrations, potential disruptions, and any safety considerations.
PPB Public Order Teams and Follow-Up Investigations
The PPB’s commitment to public safety extends beyond immediate responses. While officers may be observed in larger groups during events to facilitate targeted arrests for specific criminal acts, the Bureau also conducts thorough follow-up investigations. Cases are forwarded to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution whenever feasible. It is crucial to understand that the absence of immediate arrests does not preclude the possibility of charges being filed at a later date, as investigations can unfold over time. More information about PPB’s Public order teams is available here.
Key Takeaways
- The PPB effectively managed planned demonstrations with minimal intervention.
- Arrests were made in connection with previous, unrelated offenses during the monitoring of protest activity.
- the PPB clarifies its non-involvement in immigration enforcement while reaffirming its commitment to public safety.
- Staying informed thru official PPB channels (X/Twitter) is crucial during demonstrations.
- Investigations continue after events, and arrests may occur even if not made immediately.
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