Records show communications between South Portland & Portland police and ICE agents

Text messages obtained by the Portland Press Herald show that the Portland and South Portland police were in a group chat with ICE agents during an immigration enforcement surge in January.

The text messages were mostly focused on responding to protesters outside hotels where ICE agents were staying, at one point offering to set up a 360-degree camera.

Another sent to an ICE agent shared that police were "making plans to arrest people if needed."

Six protesters were arrested in Portland the night of the texts.

Other messages were congratulatory, including one exchange where the South Portland police chief told an ICE agent to "keep up the good work.”

City officials from both communities have responded to the messages, saying police did what they promised of protecting the public and not helping with detainments.

Portland Police Chief Mark Dubois issued the following statement:

"As a matter of City policy, the Portland Police Department does not engage in immigration enforcement and does not participate in enforcement actions on behalf of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency."

"The Portland Police Department did not initiate a recent conversation with Homeland Security officials."

"We were added to a communication that was related to public safety and security issues at a Portland hotel, not anything related to ICE operational activities. This type of communication and response is in line with how we would respond to anyone requesting public safety services. We were not informed of any pending Homeland Security operations or locations nor did we participate in any of that activity. We have reviewed this with the City’s Corporation Counsel to confirm that this conversation does not violate Portland’s City Code."

"During this time the Police Department was monitoring public discussions related to protests, and potential vandalism at a Portland hotel, for the sole purpose of ensuring public safety. We received approximately 20 calls for service at the hotel with complaints and concern for safety by staff and guests. While there was a discussion of setting up a security camera to monitor any potential crimes in the hotel parking garage, this camera would not have been in place to monitor protesters. However, this did not happen and a security camera was never put in place."

"The Portland Police Department is committed to complying with all City ordinances and the public’s right to assemble and express their views peacefully. Our primary mission during demonstrations is to ensure the safety of all involved, including participants, bystanders, and the broader community. Officers are present to support lawful activity, manage traffic as needed, and address any public safety concerns."

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