Situation Report: Antifa Repels Police, Seizes Section of Portland Neighborhood, in “Eviction Defense”

Clashes broke out in Portland Tuesday, between Antifa-led protestors and law enforcement attempting to resecure a home whose residents had previously been evicted leading to what some are calling the newest “autonomous zone.”

The incident at what is known as “The Red House” took place on the 4000 block of Mississippi Avenue, as Portland Police Bureau attempted to re-secure the premises which had been occupied by protestors after having previously evicted the former residents, a family known as the Kinneys.

Police say they made several arrests for trespassing and removed several firearms from the residence.

In September of this year, Police enforced the eviction order against the Kinneys, but groups of protestors moved into the home or set up camp in a nearby vacant lot as part of what is called in anarchist circles an “eviction defense.”

Social media videos from Tuesday showed Portland law enforcement once again attempting to approach the house only to be forced away by a surging crowd of black bloc-garbed protestors wearing masks. Protestors successfully erected a series of makeshift barricades in the streets and around the surrounding area. Antifa-linked social media accounts subsequently issued a call for all supporters to flood into the area and to bring supplies to improve barricades.

An apparent stand-off is now underway as protestors await what they believe will be the inevitable return of police.

Red House has long served as a squat utilized by Portland area radical collectives as a gathering point for events. Police say the location has been a source of growing crime and community disorder with over 81 calls for service from the location in the past few months, including for shots fired and threats from armed individuals against community members.

A social media account associated with the Red House described yesterday’s action as an “eviction blockade” on “indigenous land” and not an “autonomous zone.”

Using violence against police to secure squatting locations and establish autonomous zones is a behavior deeply rooted within Antifa ideology and culture. As the Center for Security Policy has previously testified, Antifa’s modern incarnation began in the 1980s during squatter’s right protests in Germany, and directly lead to the formation of common Antifa tactics such as the so-called “black bloc.”

Local law enforcement should recognize that eviction and similar “routine” calls can result in significant overreactions in areas where Antifa groups are active. Law enforcement should coordinate to ensure ample officer presence and closely monitor social media when preparing for eviction efforts where Antifa may be present.

For more on Antifa ideology, tactics, and organization, see the Center’s newest monograph: Unmasking Antifa: Five Perspectives on a Growing Threat.