Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Portland on Sunday in a striking nude demonstration aimed at opposing President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts. The event, described as a "die-in," featured participants riding bicycles in the nude before lying down on the Burnside Bridge to symbolize their protest against federal actions.
The protesters, who are part of the Emergency World Naked Bike Ride, usually celebrate body positivity and environmental awareness during their summer rides. However, this time they felt an urgent need to voice their concerns over Trump’s plans to send federal troops to Portland in response to ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Ashley, one of the participants, expressed her feelings about the situation, stating, "We strongly believe that we do not need federal troops in Portland or in Oregon at all." Another rider, Saturn, added, "It is electric, so fun, it’s so Portland. Just keeping everything weird."
As the protest unfolded, armed federal agents were seen observing from the roof of an ICE building nearby. The demonstration comes amid rising tensions in the city, where anti-ICE activists have engaged in confrontations with federal agents, including incidents of throwing rocks and lighting fires.
In a related context, Trump recently announced plans to deploy troops to Portland to handle what he described as "domestic terrorists." He directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to authorize the deployment of 200 Oregon National Guard members. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked this deployment, leaving the situation in limbo as the city awaits further legal decisions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the nude protests on social media, suggesting that those who find the demonstration outrageous might identify as Republicans.
This unusual protest highlights the intense emotions surrounding immigration issues and the federal response in Portland, where tensions continue to simmer.
