Several hundred protesters held vigil Wednesday night in front of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Southwest Portland, protesting the Trump administration's "zero-tolerance" immigration policy that led to the separation of children from their parents after crossing into the country illegally at the southern U.S. border.
President Trump signed an executive order earlier Wednesday that will put an end to the practice, but the move hasn't quelled protesters, who appeared to be in organizing mode during Wednesday night's vigil.
The Portland ICE offices have been closed since Wednesday due to the continuous presence of protesters.
Members of Occupy ICE PDX intend to camp outside the facility until, according to one organizer, the headquarters are shut down permanently.
The vigils are being held at the location nightly at 8:30 p.m. The occupation has been around-the-clock since earlier this week.
The Reverend Mark Knutson, senior pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church, a sanctuary church in Northeast Portland, visited with the occupiers before the start of vigil.
"It's morally reprehensible what we are doing as a nation," Knutson said.
"As faith leaders, we are morally called to act and stand with people who are being persecuted," he said.
"I'm thrilled to see all these people out here."
-- Beth Nakamura
Twitter @bethnakamura
Instagram: @bethnakamura