Healthcare workers, aerobics fans hold separate protests outside Portland ICE facility

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Doctors, nurses and even aerobics fans engaged in protests outside the Portland ICE facility Sunday afternoon.

The first planned event called on Portland healthcare professionals to wear scrubs, white coats, stethoscopes and other medical attire while standing up to what organizers are calling “the brutal, cruel, and heartless actions of ICE in Portland and across the country.”

“We care for the sick, the vulnerable, and the marginalized every day,” said co-organizer Dr. Laurie Hurtado Vessely. “This demonstration is an extension of that commitment — a statement that cruelty has no place in our government, and that protecting democracy is part of protecting public health.”

Ultimately, around 30 medical professionals gathered across the street from the ICE facility, displaying signs reading, “Doctors defending democracy,” “Stop ICE cruelty,” and others.

At around the same time, another set of protesters showed up in their 80s workout best for “Sweatin’ Out The Fascists,” a high-energy aerobics event hosted by Fulcrum Fitness.

Organizers say that – while this was drawn from Portland’s tradition of creative protest methods – it is also inspired by actress Jane Fonda’s legacy of combining fitness with activism.

“We have a wonderful community centered around movement, holistic health, and social justice,” said Eric Plevin, a Fulcrum Fitness coach. “Concerned about the state of our democracy and the ICE detention of our neighbors without due process, we wanted to express our values in a way that reflects Portland’s playful, creative spirit of resistance.”

In addition to the workout, organizers said they also collecting donations for the Oregon Food Bank.

Meanwhile, a separate handful of protesters convened nearby. At around 2p.m., federal agents on the roof of the ICE building deployed pepper balls at them and those in inflatable costumes who had approached the side of the building’s driveway.

At one point, a transport bus was also seen leaving the facility.

No injuries or arrests have been reported at this time.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story.