Critics Fear Mayor Could Sabotage New Detention Facility Law

"The Portland City Council has tried to intervene by passing a detention center fee ordinance in December 2025. It was intended to address public nuisance impacts associated with detention facilities-particularly those that draw protests-by effectively putting a cost on contamination and health hazards from tear gas and other munitions law enforcement deploys on protesters."

"The new ordinance is among the most effective tools the city currently has for accountability for federal agents' actions at the ICE facility, but the city can't enforce it just yet. It still needs to go through a formal rulemaking process to establish the fee structure and implementation."

"Even though the ordinance was added to city code, the city hasn't been able to issue penalties or fees because the fine details have yet to be ironed out on the city's administrative side. Making new rules to conform with city code typically includes input from staff to make it legally sound."

Portland City Council passed a detention center fee ordinance in December 2025 to address public nuisance impacts from tear gas and munitions deployed by federal agents at an ICE facility during protests. The ordinance aims to hold federal agents accountable by imposing costs for contamination and health hazards. However, the city cannot enforce it without completing a formal rulemaking process to establish fee structures and implementation procedures. City administrators risk moving too hastily with temporary rules that could prove legally vulnerable. Councilors Angelita Morillo and Mitch Green are urging Mayor Keith Wilson and City Administrator Raymond Lee to develop strong, permanent rules that will withstand potential court challenges and effectively serve the ordinance's intended purpose.

Read at Portland Mercury