ICE breaking the rules isn’t exactly new or surprising. But that doesn’t mean they should be let off the hook. Recently released data from a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit revealed that an ICE facility in Portland, Oregon, has violated the conditions of its city-issued permit. Specifically, the facility held detainees for longer than 12 hours, which goes against the terms of the permit. According to the rules, ICE is only allowed to operate the facility if individuals are kept there for less than 12 hours.
The data showed about 28 cases where this condition was broken. Even more troubling, nearly two dozen of those cases involved people being held for more than 24 hours. While four of the incidents took place under the Biden administration, 24 occurred more recently during Trump’s time in office.
Despite the findings, ICE has chosen not to comment. They continue to claim the Portland site is not a detention center, even though the records clearly show otherwise. People were held far longer than what is allowed.
This news has left many residents deeply frustrated. In response, nearly 16,000 people have signed a petition demanding that the city revoke the Portland ICE facility’s permit. The petition claims the site profits from human rights violations, including the separation of families and the trafficking of people across state lines. Organizers are calling on the City Council to review, repeal, and revoke the permit in order to end what they describe as inhumane treatment and shut the facility down.
Many Reddit users also expressed their anger after learning what ICE had done, though most agreed it was sadly not surprising. One user wrote, “Modern day SS not following rules? Color me shocked.” Others voiced doubts about whether Portland officials would actually enforce the law or hold ICE accountable.
Some pointed out that the city can’t simply revoke a Conditional Use Permit just because public opinion shifts. Even if the city determines that permit conditions were violated and chooses to rescind it, the federal government doesn’t technically need local land use approval to build or operate its facilities. As others noted, they also don’t require building permits, and this current administration would likely ignore any decision from the council or the courts.
Still, several users emphasized the importance of speaking out. They encouraged others to sign the petition as a way to stand against ICE and show public opposition. One user summed up that sentiment with, “ICE needs to be deported from our city immediately. They are a rogue foreign invader with no regard for our laws.”
