‘To not treat people with cruelty’: Portlanders rally against ICE at Waterfront Park

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - 50501 Portland held a rally on Saturday at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, in protest of a surge in immigration enforcement across the metro area.

Speakers included Atziri Cruz, whose father Victor was recently released from ICE custody after his family says he was mistakenly detained.

Atziri Cruz spoke about her father’s experience. While he has since been released on bond, organizers say that Victor Cruz’s detention has generated strong concern from state and local leaders, as well as legal advocates, who have raised questions about the basis of Victor Cruz’s arrest.

One local community member at the rally, Bill Denham, told FOX 12 he was there because he’s upset about what has been happening in the country.

“I’ve just been watching all week the story of the American Revolution on PBS, and this is very American,” Denham said. “To stand up for human rights, for human dignity, to not treat people with cruelty.”

According to 50501 Portland, the event marked the beginning of a full “week of action” that will be focused on community connection, creative resistance, and collective care.