No one should fear chemical weapons for exercising their right to protest.

In recent weeks, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed tear gas and other chemical munitions on crowds outside an ICE facility in Portland, Oregon. According to court filings and reporting, these actions affected not only demonstrators, but also children, elderly residents, families, and journalists doing their jobs.

This is unacceptable.

Tear gas is a chemical irritant that spreads through the air and does not discriminate. When it is released, everyone nearby is exposed. Children cannot protect themselves. Older adults face serious health risks. Journalists lose their ability to safely document events that the public has a right to see.

Portland has a long history of civic engagement and protest. The right to gather and speak freely is protected by the Constitution, even when the message is unpopular. Using chemical force on crowds chills free speech and creates fear, not safety.

This petition is not about excusing violence or blocking law enforcement from doing their jobs. It is about setting clear, humane limits. Chemical weapons should never be used as a default response to protest activity, especially when people pose no immediate threat and when families and reporters are present.

A federal judge has already urged ICE and the Department of Justice to agree to temporary restrictions. That effort failed. Now the court must decide whether safeguards will be imposed. The people of Oregon should not have to rely on courtroom battles alone to protect basic rights.

We are calling on ICE leadership, the Department of Justice, and federal courts to immediately restrict the use of tear gas and similar weapons during protests in Portland. Clear rules must protect children, journalists, and peaceful demonstrators from chemical exposure.

Chemical force should not be used to silence speech or intimidate communities.

If you believe children and journalists should never be tear-gassed for exercising constitutional rights, add your name and demand action now.