Allegations Surface of Antifa "Safehouse" Near Portland ICE Facility

Portland, Oregon – A ground-floor apartment unit within The Matisse building on South Lowell Street, in close proximity to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, is reportedly being utilized as an "Antifa safehouse." The claim was made by journalist Andy Ngo on social media, who identified the lessee as Chandler Jonathan Patey, described as a "far-left radical."

"That is a ground apartment unit of The Matisse building on South Lowell Street near the @ICEgov facility in Portland, Ore. It is being used as an Antifa safehouse. It's being leased to a far-left radical named Chandler Jonathan Patey," Ngo stated in a recent tweet.

The Matisse building, located in Portland's South Waterfront area, is a residential apartment complex. While the building itself is a standard residential property, the area around the ICE facility has historically been a focal point for protests and demonstrations involving anti-fascist (Antifa) groups.

Antifa, a decentralized, anti-fascist political movement, has been active in Portland for many years, often engaging in counter-protests against far-right demonstrations and government institutions, including the ICE facility. The movement lacks a central leadership, making specific affiliations and activities often difficult to independently verify.

Claims of "safehouses" or operational bases for protest movements are not uncommon in cities with prolonged periods of civil unrest. However, independent confirmation of the specific apartment unit's alleged use as an "Antifa safehouse" or the detailed background of Chandler Jonathan Patey beyond Ngo's assertion remains limited.

The ongoing tension between various political groups and law enforcement in Portland has frequently drawn national attention. The presence of a reported "safehouse" near a federal facility could escalate concerns regarding protest activities in the city.