Portland Police Will Continue Patrols at ICE Protests, Despite Restrictions on Overtime Spending

Protests at Portland's ICE facility have led to substantial police expenditures, with the PPB reporting over $875,511 in staffing costs tied to these demonstrations within just two weeks in June. Amid budget constraints, the Portland City Council directed the Bureau to limit overtime spending and focus on core missions, including drug interdiction and domestic violence prevention. Following a lull in protests, recent announcements about National Guard involvement have reignited demonstrations, prompting PPB to reassess its deployment strategy. Chief Bob Day emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety while managing resources effectively, stating that he consulted with the mayor regarding staffing decisions. The Bureau's overtime hours dramatically decreased in July and August, but recent events have spurred a renewed police presence.

Kanal reiterated that while the overtime directive is still in place, the executive branch retains authority over resource allocation. The ongoing situation reflects broader tensions around immigration enforcement and community safety in Portland. As the protests evolve, the city’s leadership faces challenges in balancing public safety with budgetary constraints.