Protesters Converge on PDX for Muslim Ban Protest as Officials Voice Oppostion

Protesters are gathering at Portland International Airport to protest the executive order by President Trump effectively banning Muslim visitors from seven countries. The protesters started arriving at 3:00 p.m.

There were so many people headed to the airport, it caused delays on Trimet's MAX service.

The protest at PDX, is one of many taking place around the country - from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Denver and Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia.

There were more than 100 protesters at one point chanting phrases including "Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here."

There was also a protest for justice earlier at Maranatha Church.

In the afternoon, Multnomah County officials announced they were investigating reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers had been detaining people at the Multnomah County Courthouse.

"This is devastating for the people accessing our services, and in many cases, counterproductive to a lawful community, said a joint statement from County Chairman Deborah Kafoury, Vice Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Sheriff Mike Reese, Presiding Circuit Court Judge Nan Waller, and Commissioners Sharon Meleran, Loretta Smith, and Lori Stegmann.

"We encourage ICE to recognize courthouses as sensitive locations and consider these impacts."

Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill then released a statement saying his office "does not notify or alert immigration officials or agencies regarding individuals (witnesses, victims, or defendants) with whom we come into contact.

"This applies to the adult and juvenile justice systems, as well as our work seeking to enforce child support obligations."

Multnomah County and the City of Portland have both recently restated their commitment to being a Sanctuary County and Sanctuary City, putting them at odds with another of Trump's executive orders denying federal funds to municipalities that don't cooperate with immigration officials.

Photo courtesy Mara Gross via Twitter