An Oregon woman has filed a lawsuit against the city of Portland, claiming that the constant noise from late-night protests against ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is causing her severe physical and emotional distress.
Cloud Elvengrail, who lives near an ICE facility in Portland’s South Waterfront neighborhood, says the noise, including shrill sounds, bells, and air raid sirens, is so loud and disturbing that it has resulted in her left ear bleeding and has left her living situation “akin to a torture chamber.”
According to Elvengrail’s attorney, Julie Parrish, the noise has been persistent and overwhelming. “It’s shrill, and bells, and whistles, and air raid siren sounds,” Parrish explained, referring to the sounds used by the protesters. The protests outside the ICE building at 4310 S.
Macadam Ave. have been a part of broader demonstrations over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with similar actions being organized across the country.
Elvengrail, who has been vocal about her struggles with the noise, was recorded in a video shouting at the protesters, “We the people need sleep, motherf—ers!” She also accused the demonstrators of being more “terrorizing” than the agency they were protesting.
Protest Noise Intensifies After Complaints
The protests allegedly escalated after Elvengrail began speaking out. In particular, a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), which can emit high-volume sounds, was used to target the ICE facility around 1 a.m. Local reports indicate that protesters were deliberately using the device to increase the volume and intensity of the disruption.
In an emotional statement to the press, Elvengrail described her situation: “I am living in constant pain. My ears are ringing, the sound is so loud it made my left ear bleed, and there is no peace or quiet because the sound weapons they’re using day and night are killing us,” she said.
“And we’re trapped with no escape. It’s got to stop. Those of us in the building with PTSD are destroyed by this noise.”
Lawsuit Alleges Life Safety Concerns
Elvengrail’s lawsuit argues that the noise has created a “life safety issue” for not only her but also other residents of the building and those nearby. She further claims that she cannot afford to relocate and is now forced to deal with unsafe living conditions.
Her apartment lacks air conditioning, making it impossible for her to escape the heat without opening her windows, which exposes her to both the noise and fumes from the protests.
“Her apartment is more akin to a torture chamber than a home,” her lawyer Julie Parrish wrote in the complaint. “The contradictory choice [Elvengrail is] being forced to make… has created a life safety issue for [her].”
Neighbor Tim Paulk, who lives in the same building, supported Elvengrail’s claims, saying that the protests involve megaphones and air horns used specifically to disrupt the peace. He described the protesters’ behavior as “super aggressive” and “inconsiderate of the neighborhood.”
Elvengrail’s Legal Request
In response to these ongoing disturbances, Elvengrail has asked the court for an expedited hearing to address the situation.
Her lawyer made it clear that while Elvengrail supports peaceful demonstrations, she wants the “weaponized noise” to stop. She is urging the city of Portland to enforce its noise ordinances and take action to protect residents.
City officials have not yet commented on the lawsuit, and it remains to be seen how the court will address these claims of physical harm caused by the protests.
