07/08/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2025 17:07
The city has received several reports of chemical munitions being used during protests outside the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland.
Mayor Keith Wilson and other city leaders have reaffirmed Portland's commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals to peaceful protest and free speech. While Portland honors the right to peaceful assembly, any acts of violence or property destruction will be met with a measured, decisive response.
Here's what to know.
The ICE facility is guarded by federal law enforcement officers, not Portland police. The City has received reports of federal officers using chemical munitions against protestors, including pepper balls, pepper spray, and HC smoke (hexachloroethane smoke, also known as smoke grenades).
Three Portland police officers used pepper spray on June 12, but have not otherwise deployed chemical munitions at this location as of the date of this update.
Some protestors appear to have also used chemical restraints, such as over-the-counter pepper spray and possibly bear spray, though we cannot confirm the exact products involved. Additionally, we've observed protestors using commercial-grade fireworks and flares during these events.
The Portland Police Bureau does not engage in immigration enforcement, but is still responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing state laws.
Reducing use: The Portland Police Bureau maintains extensive rules aimed at reducing the use of tear gas and pepper spray. The bureau's goals for public protests are to protect First Amendment rights, maintain peace and safety, de-escalate, and follow up. However, Portland police officers have no authority over the lawful actions of federal law enforcement officers.
Preventing Pollution: The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is responsible for managing the public stormwater system and protecting Portland's rivers, streams, and watersheds. The bureau's primary objective in managing chemical munitions is to prevent debris (such as pepper balls) and pollutants (such as residue from chemical munitions) entering the stormwater system, which could adversely impact Portland's waterways. Recent actions include: