Federal officers barred from firing munitions at Portland anti-ICE protesters

An Oregon judge temporarily barred federal officers from firing “chemical or projectile munitions” at anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protesters in Portland on Tuesday.

The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Michael Simon, applies to tear gas, pepper spray, less-lethal shotguns, rubber ball grenades, and various other weapons. Officers have often used such munitions to maintain crowd control in Portland and elsewhere.

The weapons can be used if the “specific target of such a weapon or device poses an imminent threat of physical harm to a law enforcement officer or other person,” Simon wrote in the opinion. The temporary restraining order against federal personnel will remain in effect for 14 days unless extended.

The federal judge said officers are also prohibited from firing munitions “at the head,