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A federal judge expects to rule soon in a case about the use of force against nonviolent protesters outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland.

OPB’s Conrad Wilson reports from the courtroom, where the judge this week heard from protesters, federal agents and other witnesses. His report starts today’s newsletter.

Also this morning, a new Portland State University analysis looks at factors causing loneliness in the workplace.

Here’s your First Look at Thursday’s news.

—Bradley W. Parks

Judge expresses skepticism toward federal force at ICE building, expects to rule soon

A federal judge appears poised to continue blocking federal officers from using tear gas and chemical munitions on protesters after days of testimony that revealed a lack of legal guidance and training for the agents tasked with protecting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland.

The three-day hearing concluded yesterday afternoon, with U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon saying he expected to issue a ruling by Monday.

“I’m not being subtle about where I am leaning,” said Simon, who was openly skeptical about instances where federal officers used chemical munitions. “But I want to be fair.”

The core issue of the case is the treatment of protesters at the ICE building. The facility has been a rallying point for opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. (Conrad Wilson)

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RELATED

Body camera footage shows federal response to Portland ICE protests

Video of a Jan. 31 rally was shown as part of a three-day hearing looking at the use of force on protesters outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland. (Conrad Wilson)

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3 things to know this morning

• A report released by the Portland city ombudsman found the city’s fines for short-term rental violations stretch far beyond other U.S. cities. (Alex Zielinski)
• This week, Oregon lawmakers strengthened the Foster Children’s Bill of Rights, first passed in 2013. The update will now make it clear that kids placed in foster care have the right to communicate with their siblings. (Lauren Dake)
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has abandoned efforts to build a detention center in Newport, at least for now, according to court filings first reported by the Statesman Journal. (Courtney Sherwood)

Headlines from around the Northwest

• Oregon legislators clear the way for more residential, farmworker housing in Woodburn (Alejandro Figueroa)
• Oregon Senate OKs $365 million for Moda Center revamp (Dirk VanderHart)
• Oregon AG lawsuit over Morrow County broadband deal moves forward (Antonio Sierra)
• Oregon Legislature passes lodging tax hike to help wildlife and ranchers facing wolf kills (Bryce Dole)
• Oregon governor wants to see more housing built for those 55 and older (Lauren Dake)
• Robert Vilahamn named coach of the NWSL’s Portland Thorns (Anne M. Peterson) 
• Oregon dumps Purdue 82-64 in first round of women’s Big Ten Tournament (Associated Press) 
• Holiday and Grant power the Trail Blazers to a 122-114 win over the Grizzlies (Associated Press)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• PeaceHealth Oregon to use out-of-state company for emergency department staffing in Lane County
• New research from the University of Washington finds forest thinning as wildfire management can also protect water supply

Modern, busy offices can be lonely places, Portland State University analysis shows

The office can be a bustling hub of activity and productivity, but it can also be lonely.

That’s what behavioral scientists at Portland State University recently found in a broad review of more than 200 studies that touch on loneliness in the workplace.

While personality traits play a role in that, researchers say several factors at work can also contribute, including increased remote work, reliance on technology and the associated “technostress,” a lack of inclusiveness, and unsupportive managers, just to name a few.

All of that spells trouble for people’s health. In 2023, the surgeon general identified loneliness as an “epidemic” in this country, increasing the risk of premature death by 25% — similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. (Jes Burns)

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/05/tear-gas-force-ice-portland-first-look/