Well, it didn’t take long, did it? Just hours into President Trump’s return to the Oval Office, Antifa decided to remind everyone why they’re still the left’s favorite band of unhinged agitators. On Monday night, these self-styled revolutionaries targeted an ICE detention center in Portland, Oregon, igniting fires and squaring off with federal law enforcement in their latest tantrum over Trump’s immigration policies. That’s right—nothing says “progressive activism,” like dressing in all black, setting buildings on fire, and harassing federal officers. And, in typical Portland fashion, no arrests were made. Shocker.
The group of roughly 15 militants, clad in their signature black bloc riot gear, gathered outside the ICE facility on S Macadam Road. Video footage posted to X (formerly known as Twitter) shows them lighting fires and encircling officers who were trying to extinguish the flames. Because apparently, throwing Molotov cocktails and taunting law enforcement is how the far left spends its Monday nights. One particularly bold Antifa member could be heard mocking officers with a megaphone: “I’m so glad you signed up for this.” Stay classy, Antifa.
Breaking: Antifa in Portland, Ore. gathered overnight late on Jan. 20 to attack the @ICEgov facility that they regularly attacked and set on fire before. Antifa member Elizabeth Richter, who I sued, promoted the violent direct action on @inlovewthemooon. pic.twitter.com/g2ZWfX4R1O
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 21, 2025
For anyone who’s been paying attention over the last few years, this isn’t exactly new. This particular ICE facility has been a favorite target for Portland’s Antifa crowd since Trump’s first term. Back in April 2021, the same building was set on fire during riots protesting border security policies. Officers were trapped inside while Antifa militants gleefully cheered on the destruction. Fast-forward to 2025, and here we are again. The only thing that’s changed is that Trump is back in office, and Antifa is back on the streets acting like the laws don’t apply to them.
And let’s talk about those “social media warriors” for a second. The same militant who posted Monday night’s video to X (using the oh-so-revolutionary username @comradecamera) followed up with a post saying, “Yes, this is the same building…Yes it can be set on fire.” Subtle. Nothing screams peaceful protest, quite like gleefully admitting to arson. But what’s even more troubling is how these radicals operate with such brazen confidence. They know Portland authorities will either look the other way or give them a slap on the wrist. Why wouldn’t they keep doing it?
Of course, as usual, Antifa’s ringleaders were out in force. According to Andy Ngo, Rose City Antifa members with extensive rap sheets were present, including Tracy Molina and Elizabeth Richter. Molina, fresh out of jail on felony assault charges, wasted no time jumping back into the fray. Meanwhile, Richter—who once used her toddler as a human shield during a violent ICE protest—was also involved. These are the kinds of people Portland tolerates, folks.
Violent extremist Portland Antifa member Elizabeth Richter @inlovewthemooon, who I sued in my Ngo v. Rose City Antifa et al., lawsuit, promoted the violent direct action. Around 15 of them in black bloc attacked the @ICEgov facility that was closed for MLK Jr. Day.
Richter was… pic.twitter.com/DE12cgAlkM
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 21, 2025
All of this comes as President Trump is wasting no time getting his immigration agenda back on track. On Monday, he signed a slew of executive orders aimed at securing the border, deporting criminal illegal aliens, and reversing Biden-era policies that gutted immigration enforcement. Trump’s newly appointed Border Czar, Tom Homan, is already spearheading mass deportation operations. Naturally, the left is losing its collective mind, and Antifa’s out here lighting fires to show their disapproval.
The real question is: how long will we tolerate this lawlessness? Antifa’s antics are a direct attack on federal law enforcement, public safety, and the rule of law. And yet, in places like Portland, they operate with impunity because local leaders refuse to take them seriously. Trump is doing his part to restore order at the border, but it’s going to take more than federal action to clean up cities like Portland. Maybe it’s time for local officials to grow a backbone and stop treating these militants like misunderstood activists. Until then, expect more chaos—and more excuses from the left.
