UPDATED ICE Violated Portland Policies with Detention Practices, City Leaders Say

Portland city officials have accused ICE of violating its conditional use permit by detaining individuals beyond the allowed timeframe on 25 occasions between October 2024 and July 2025. Mayor Keith Wilson confirmed that the city will issue a land use violation notice, kicking off a process to review ICE's compliance with local regulations. This investigation follows extensive protests against the ICE facility, with demonstrators calling for the revocation of its permit. Advocates for detainees warn that closing the South Waterfront facility could hinder legal support, as ICE might relocate detainees to more distant facilities. Critics emphasize that ICE's operations contradict Portland's sanctuary city status and disrupt local neighborhoods, evidenced by the use of tear gas against protesters.

Nearby residents and a local charter school have felt the impact of these tensions, leading to significant community disruption. The process to potentially revoke the permit is complicated by federal law, particularly the Supremacy Clause, which limits local authority over federal actions. Councilor Angelita Morillo is exploring strategies to navigate these legal challenges while holding landlords accountable for renting to ICE.