A protest outside a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland escalated [1] Sunday as hundreds of naked cyclists joined demonstrators in what organizers called an “emergency” edition of the annual World Naked Bike Ride.
According to the Associated Press, the ride — typically held in the summer — was moved up after activists announced they would use the event to protest President Donald Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to assist in controlling ongoing demonstrations in Portland.
The protest, which has grown over recent days, drew hundreds of participants who rode through the city before gathering near the ICE facility in Portland’s South Waterfront district.
Riders said the unusual demonstration was intended to oppose what they described as federal overreach in response to civil unrest.
Despite cold and rainy conditions, participants carried out the protest as planned. Temperatures in Portland were in the mid-50s, but riders showed up in large numbers.
Rider Janene King told the Associated Press the event represented a local form of political expression.
“We definitely do not want troops coming into our city,” King said, calling the event a “quintessentially Portland way to protest.”
The nude ride, which is often promoted as both a celebration of body positivity and an environmental statement, was repurposed this weekend as a political protest.
Organizers said the decision to hold the demonstration came after reports that federal officials were preparing to deploy additional National Guard personnel in the area.
The appearance of the cyclists added to an already volatile protest scene.
Hundreds of naked bike riders have now joined the protest in front of the ICE Facility and now there’s a massive turnout of people here. Portland PD has issued multiple warnings asking protesters to clear the road or they would be subject to arrest and crowd control munitions… pic.twitter.com/0X23GzyZ1i [2]
— Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) October 12, 2025 [3]
Demonstrations outside the ICE facility had been ongoing, with protesters calling for an end to deportation operations and federal involvement in local law enforcement issues.
The protests coincided with a broader legal challenge to the National Guard deployment.
According to PBS, two dozen Democrat-led states have joined together to contest the order in court, arguing that the president’s decision violates constitutional limits on federal power.
The coalition of states filed their case with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, claiming the deployment exceeded presidential authority.
“By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement are fully able to execute the law, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of all Americans at risk,” the filing stated.
The protests at the Portland ICE facility have remained a flashpoint for tensions between federal and local authorities since the first demonstrations began.
City officials have faced criticism for their handling of the gatherings, while federal agencies have defended their enforcement efforts as necessary to maintain order.
The National Guard’s potential deployment in Portland has drawn a mix of responses, with some residents supporting the move as a measure to prevent property damage and protect public safety, and others arguing it represents federal intrusion into local matters.
Sunday’s nude ride drew significant attention online as images circulated across social media platforms, showing hundreds of cyclists gathered near the ICE building under cloudy skies and light rain.
While the event concluded without major incident, police monitored the scene and directed traffic around the demonstration.
No arrests were immediately reported.
Officials said the ICE facility remained secured during the protest, and federal employees were advised to avoid the area.
Organizers of the World Naked Bike Ride have not said whether additional protests will be scheduled but indicated that future rides could include political messages beyond the event’s traditional environmental and body freedom themes.
The Portland Police Bureau said officers would continue to monitor demonstrations near the ICE facility in the coming days as tensions remain high over the possible federal deployment.