Portland Mayor Keith Wilson addressed federal authorities following a meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding the protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland. The meeting included discussions on safety measures at the site and operational expectations from the federal government, with a deadline for response set for noon today. Federal officials requested restricted access around the facility and designated areas for free speech where protests could occur.
In his response, Mayor Wilson reaffirmed Portland’s dedication to free speech and confirmed that local police would continue their presence at the ICE facility, as they have since protests began in June. The Portland Police have increased their staffing to manage the ongoing tensions involving protesters, counter-protesters, and federal agents.
Wilson also urged Secretary Noem to ensure that federal agents cease the use of chemical munitions or force against peaceful protesters, to implement body-worn cameras, and to properly identify themselves. Recently, federal agents have intensified their response to the protests, resorting to tear gas and force against largely peaceful demonstrators.
“The actions of certain federal officers remain profoundly troubling to our community, and the absence of accountability and transparency for what seems to be unconstitutional behavior against individuals exercising their rights will further widen the gap between the facility and our community,” Wilson stated.
Additionally, in response to a suggestion from Noem’s team for the City to consider taking over the lease of the ICE facility, Mayor Wilson expressed a willingness to discuss the matter. He clarified that if such a transition were to occur, Portland would not become a landlord to ICE, but rather aim to remove ICE from the property.
The U.S. General Services Administration has leased the building from a private owner since 2011. This facility includes a processing center where federal officers assess individuals’ legal residency status. In 2011, the City granted conditional land use approval for the site, and on September 18, it issued a notice of violation after reports indicated that individuals had been detained there overnight or for over 12 hours, which contravenes the terms of the land use approval.
Under land use regulations, the operator has 30 days to rectify any violations upon receiving a notice. If substantial evidence of wrongdoing is found, penalties may be imposed. Portland’s Permitting & Development can also initiate a “reconsideration” of the land use approval by scheduling a hearing at least 60 days post-notice, with the possibility of appeals to the Portland City Council by any interested parties.
