Full Breakdown
Portland Officials Condemn ICE's Use of Pepper Balls During Arrest
12/18/2025, 9:43:06 PM
Incident Overview: Arrest of Erik Téllez
On December 11, 2025, Erik Téllez was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in North Portland while driving his two teenage children to school. The arrest occurred around 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of North Buchanan Avenue and North Fessenden Street. Witnesses reported that as neighbors gathered to document the arrest, ICE agents fired pepper balls at bystanders, including a child walking to school, causing coughing and discomfort among the crowd.
City Leaders' Response
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, along with councilors Sameer Kanal, Dan Ryan, and council president Elana Pirtle-Guiney, condemned the actions of the federal agents, labeling their use of pepper balls as "unjustified, disruptive, and escalatory." In a joint statement, they expressed that such tactics undermine public trust in government and called for an immediate cessation of chemical munitions in Portland neighborhoods. They also urged federal authorities to implement body-worn cameras and to identify themselves during community engagements.
Witness Accounts and Community Reaction
Witness Jaslyn Cincotta described the chaotic scene, noting that ICE agents fired pepper balls at the feet of protesters and continued to do so as they drove away, exacerbating the situation. Cincotta criticized the agents for blaming her for the disturbance while they forcibly detained Téllez. She characterized the incident as an excessive show of force that contradicted claims of enhancing neighborhood safety.
Background Context: ICE's Tactics
This incident marks the first documented use of pepper balls by ICE agents during an arrest in Portland neighborhoods, although similar tactics have been employed during protests outside the ICE facility in South Portland. The Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition confirmed the use of pepper balls during the encounter, highlighting a growing concern over the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration authorities.
Impact on Téllez's Family
Following Téllez's arrest, his family faces significant challenges. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Téllez's niece indicates that his wife and three children, including a 6-month-old infant, are struggling to meet their basic needs without his support. The campaign emphasizes the emotional and financial toll the arrest has taken on the family.
Official Statements & Responses
In their statement, city leaders emphasized that the use of chemical munitions cannot compel community acceptance of ICE enforcement actions that residents have not requested. They reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights and safety of Portland's residents against what they view as excessive federal enforcement measures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the city officials and witnesses have condemned the use of pepper balls, there has been no immediate response from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding the incident or the rules governing ICE agents' conduct during arrests. Additionally, public records indicate that Téllez had a previous arrest in 2017 for driving under the influence, which was later dismissed, raising questions about the basis for his current detention.
Verbatim Quotes
“Chemical munitions cannot, and will not, compel our community to accept ICE enforcement we have not asked for and do not want.” — Keith Wilson, Mayor of Portland
“It's a show of force,” — Jaslyn Cincotta, Witness
“Those aren't actions of making our neighborhoods safer.” — Jaslyn Cincotta, Witness
