ICE Violated Portland Policies with Detention Practices, City Leaders Say

Portland officials reported that ICE violated its 2011 permit by exceeding the maximum detention time on 25 occasions since October 2024. Mayor Keith Wilson announced plans to issue a land use violation notice to ICE, starting a formal compliance review process. This development follows sustained protests from community members calling for the revocation of ICE's conditional use permit, raising concerns about the facility's impact on local residents. Advocates caution that closing the South Waterfront facility could hinder legal support for detainees, as they may be transferred to more distant centers. Critics highlight the conflict between ICE's operations and Portland's sanctuary city status, as well as the adverse effects on the neighborhood, including police response to protests.

The city faces a complex process to revoke the permit, with ICE allowed to continue operations during the compliance review. Federal involvement may further complicate matters, given the Supremacy Clause's implications on local decisions. Councilor Angelita Morillo is exploring ways to creatively navigate these challenges, aiming to deter landlords from renting to ICE.