Jerrod Zisser on 'War Ravaged Portland' and Federalization in DC

Portland Protests and Federal Response

• 🎯 Jerrod Zisser visited Portland after hearing reports of "war-ravaged streets" and found the activity was confined to one block near a facility.
• 💡 Zisser, a former Marine with two tours in Iraq, stated the scene was only "war-ravaged" because DHS and ICE seemed to want it to appear that way, with right-wing agitators instigating conflict.
• ⚠️ Protesters have been present for over 120 days, some having sold their homes to protest ICE and alleged kidnappings, facing pepper bullets and attempts to set their tents on fire.
• 🚗 Zisser documented cars attempting to run over people and noted that ICE agents appeared to be enjoying the use of force, exhibiting behaviors reminiscent of the 1930s.
• 🚁 A staged "fake riot" was allegedly created using DJI drones and ICE agents filming, followed by a large deployment of pepper bullets and rubber bullets, before federal agents retreated.

Federalization and Civil Liberties in DC

• ⚡ Zisser described his experience in DC when it was federalized, witnessing civil liberties being stripped in plain sight, including a woman threatened with arrest for refusing to identify herself.
• 🚔 A DACA recipient was manhandled and taken away in an unmarked vehicle for an expired license, highlighting the fear instilled by federal agents.
• 🍕 Federal agents, including ATF, FBI, and DEA, entered a pizza place with assault rifles, causing a woman to have a panic attack, demonstrating the pervasive fear tactics used.
• 🗣️ Even FBI agents admitted the operations were unnecessary but that they were following orders, though Zisser observed actions that contradicted claims of gentleness.
• ⚖️ Zisser expressed concern that ICE's expansion under Donald Trump could target everyone, not just immigrants, with increased power and a lack of accountability.

Zisser's Motivation and Platform

• 🎖️ Zisser feels his oath as a Marine is more important than ever and sees his work documenting these events as a way to contribute to keeping democracy alive.
• 📢 He aims to speak to a broader audience through his Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and now Ring of Fire to help people trying to build better lives.
• 🎥 Zisser's footage of the Portland events, including the alleged staged riot, is available on his Instagram, Jared Zisser.