City of Portland reaffirms notice of violation at ICE facility

Today, Portland Permitting & Development upheld a land-use violation at the ICE facility in South Portland, according to an administrative review decision. The property owner has until March 16 to correct the violations - or face a monthly fee of $934.

This is the latest step in the "notice of violation" case involving the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility at 4310 S. Macadam Ave.

After investigating public complaints, the City issued a notice of zoning violation in September, finding that the property owner was out of compliance with the facility's land use conditions of approval.

Violations primarily concerned keeping detainees at the facility for more than 12 hours, which violates the security plan approved as part of a 2011 land use review decision.

Representatives of the property owner requested a review and, at a Dec. 30 meeting, presented information contesting the notice to City staff. After further review, it was determined that the Sept. 18, 2025, violation notice "was not issued in error and there was adequate documentation to support the issuance of the Notice."

The property owner has until March 16 to take corrective action. After that deadline, a monthly code enforcement fee of $934 will be charged as a lien against the property until the violations are corrected, a reinspection is requested, and City staff verify correction of cited violations.

"As we continue with this land-use case, it's essential that we allow the established process to unfold as intended," said City Administrator Raymond Lee. "Each step in the review is part of a framework designed to ensure outcomes that are grounded in evidence, consistent with City code, and defensible over time."

This decision by City staff may be appealed by the property owner to the City Hearings Office within 10 business days.

Read the new review decision:

Read the Sept. 18, 2025 violation notice:

Learn more about the land-use case