In brief
Residents of Gray's Landing, an affordable housing complex in Portland, Oregon, are purchasing gas masks and taking other measures to cope with tear gas deployed by federal officers during protests at the nearby immigration office. A federal lawsuit has been filed to limit such uses of tear gas, citing health hazards and violations of residents' rights. Many residents, including children, are suffering from respiratory issues due to the chemicals infiltrating their homes.
In an alarming response to ongoing protests at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland, many residents of a local affordable housing complex, Gray's Landing, have resorted to wearing gas masks in their own homes. This drastic measure comes as federal officers utilize tear gas and chemical munitions to control crowds. Residents, including young children, are now experiencing health issues, with reports of coughing, difficulty breathing, and headaches due to chemical exposure. A federal lawsuit filed by tenants and the property manager seeks to restrict these practices, arguing they have violated residents' rights by making living conditions unsafe. The complaint highlights the distress felt by the community, where many residents are elderly or disabled. Despite the government's assertion that tear gas is only used to manage violent protests, tenants report that chemicals have increasingly entered their homes with little provocation. Residents are sharing their experiences in court, hoping to curtail the federal agents' actions and regain a sense of safety in their homes.
