Portland Police Accused of Ignoring Dozens of Unlawful Assembly Declarations at ICE Facility

Portland, OR – The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) is facing accusations of failing to respond to numerous declared "unlawful assemblies" at the city's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Journalist Katie Daviscourt alleged on social media that PPB has not responded to "dozens" of these incidents, despite a standing settlement agreement. According to Daviscourt's tweet, an unlawful assembly is defined under the settlement as "5 or more people engaging in certain criminal acts."The claim refers to a class-action settlement approved in August 2023 between the City of Portland and protesters, stemming from lawsuits over the 2020 demonstrations. This agreement mandates significant changes to how the PPB manages crowd control, including provisions for de-escalation, limits on less-lethal munitions, and requirements for clear dispersal orders before using force. While the settlement outlines parameters for police conduct during engagements, it does not explicitly state that PPB is required to respond to every declared unlawful assembly.The ICE facility in South Portland has been a frequent site of protests, with authorities declaring unlawful assemblies on multiple occasions. Past incidents have reportedly involved individuals throwing objects at officers and federal agents, and attempts to breach the building, leading to police intervention and dispersal orders. These declarations typically signify a shift in the nature of a gathering from peaceful protest to one involving criminal activity.Daviscourt's tweet directly challenges the bureau's adherence to its obligations, stating, > "Portland Police must also respond to all unlawful assemblies (riots), which is classified under the settlement as 5 or more people engaging in certain criminal acts. Unlawful assemblies have been declared dozens of times at ICE. PPB did not respond." This assertion highlights a perceived gap between the settlement's intent and the bureau's operational response.The allegations raise questions about police accountability and the interpretation of legal agreements governing crowd control in Portland. The distinction between a mandate to respond and guidelines on how to respond when present is central to the ongoing discussion. The city and the PPB have not yet publicly addressed this specific claim regarding non-response to the alleged "dozens" of incidents.