PORTLAND, Ore. (RTW News) — In a significant move, Portland city officials announced they will issue a land use violation notice to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building, alleging that the facility has detained individuals beyond the limits permitted by its land use approval. The conditional use approval, implemented in 2011, restricts detention to a maximum of 12 hours and does not allow overnight stays. According to the city, violations occurred on 25 occasions from last October through July of this year.
ICE made commitments regarding detention limitations that we believe they have breached numerous times, said Portland Mayor Keith Wilson. He emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation conducted by the city. The official notice is expected to be issued Thursday, although ICE has not yet commented.
The facility has been a focal point for protests, particularly during the previous month when nightly demonstrations intensified. Activists and legal advocates congregate there daily to support those affected, while demonstrations at night often feature individuals dressed in black with helmets and masks.
While these protests have disrupted local residents, they pale in comparison to the racial justice protests seen in 2020. However, they have attracted the attention of Former President Donald Trump, who has suggested federal troop deployment to manage crime in major cities. Despite public fears, crime has generally decreased in Portland, with a report indicating a 51% decline in homicides from January through June of this year compared to 2024.
Following formal complaints, the city’s permitting bureau began its investigation into the ICE building in late July. Information gathered revealed multiple instances of wrongdoing, with the last reported violation occurring on May 20. Portland's sanctuary policy restricts local officials, including police, from enforcing federal immigration law, creating a complex legal landscape around such enforcement. Upon issuance of the violation notice, landowners have 30 days to correct the infraction before penalties may be implemented.
ICE made commitments regarding detention limitations that we believe they have breached numerous times, said Portland Mayor Keith Wilson. He emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation conducted by the city. The official notice is expected to be issued Thursday, although ICE has not yet commented.
The facility has been a focal point for protests, particularly during the previous month when nightly demonstrations intensified. Activists and legal advocates congregate there daily to support those affected, while demonstrations at night often feature individuals dressed in black with helmets and masks.
While these protests have disrupted local residents, they pale in comparison to the racial justice protests seen in 2020. However, they have attracted the attention of Former President Donald Trump, who has suggested federal troop deployment to manage crime in major cities. Despite public fears, crime has generally decreased in Portland, with a report indicating a 51% decline in homicides from January through June of this year compared to 2024.
Following formal complaints, the city’s permitting bureau began its investigation into the ICE building in late July. Information gathered revealed multiple instances of wrongdoing, with the last reported violation occurring on May 20. Portland's sanctuary policy restricts local officials, including police, from enforcing federal immigration law, creating a complex legal landscape around such enforcement. Upon issuance of the violation notice, landowners have 30 days to correct the infraction before penalties may be implemented.
