As we walked through a maze-like hallway towards the parking lot, we caught a glimpse of the protests happening outside the fortified gates. Antifa and other anti-ICE demonstrators were once again making their presence felt.

“Time to start your shift!” shouted one protester as we approached the front office for a bag check. In some ways, they were right.

Protests at this facility have been ongoing for months, largely spurred by President Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts. Portland has become a focal point after Trump suggested deploying the National Guard to protect federal property.

A day prior to my visit, a federal judge intervened and temporarily halted the National Guard’s deployment. The facility was initially prepared for extra security, but now it was back to normal operations.

On that day, crowds had attempted to obstruct federal vehicles leaving the building, which led to confrontations with law enforcement.

“No one respects you! You don’t even have authority anymore!” one protester yelled.

The processing center resembles a fortified outpost. Windows are set to be boarded up, doors reinforced, and rooms repurposed for operations and storage. A whiteboard displayed a sketch of the street and nearby buildings. Agents from Border Patrol, ICE, HSI, and the Bureau of Prisons were frequently in and out.

The Federal Protective Service (FPS) is tasked with safeguarding government facilities. While not as widely known as ICE or Border Patrol, FPS has been actively involved since the protests erupted last summer, working alongside various agencies to protect government properties from being damaged.

Chris Hayes, the FPS assistant director of field operations, remarked that the resilience of his officers stood out amid months of protests.

“I’d tell the protesters: We’re here to protect this facility so operations can continue. We understand the need for expressing opinions, but we can’t allow disruptions to essential services,” Hayes explained.

He noted that one crucial problem posed by the protests is public safety, as crowds often spill onto the roads, making it hazardous for both demonstrators and motorists who might unknowingly drive into chaotic scenes.

The facility’s rooftop is manned by armed agents equipped with pepper balls and rifles, particularly in light of previous shooting incidents targeting ICE facilities. Given its location among residential buildings, the stakes in Portland are notably high.

While the crowd on Sunday was relatively calm compared to some previous days, tension still simmered. As federal agents worked to clear a path for departing vehicles, conflicts erupted within the crowd. At least three individuals were arrested during the skirmish.