UPDATE "We Do Not Consent" Sweep at Thousand Acres Removes Longtime Unhoused Community

The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) has temporarily halted cleanup efforts at the Sandy River Delta due to a violent incident involving a protester and a contractor's employee. During the encampment removal, a supporter filming the operation was pepper-sprayed by a worker from Northwest Hazmat, prompting concerns about safety and the treatment of unhoused residents. DSL stated it would investigate the matter and reassess the project, aiming to align with its values regarding public safety and protest rights. Historically, large encampment removals in Multnomah County involve collaboration with local agencies to connect displaced individuals to resources, a process that was notably lacking at Thousand Acres. The absence of law enforcement and the hiring of private security raised additional concerns about the legality and ethics of the removal.

Eyewitnesses reported that crews began dismantling personal belongings and cutting down trees, exacerbating the distress of residents. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by unhoused communities and the need for a more coordinated approach to such removals. As the investigation unfolds, the impact on the displaced individuals remains a critical concern.