ICE Beat Says “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Revoke the Permit!”

In October 2011, the City of Portland approved a Conditional Use Permit for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The approval was based in part on the finding that “The facility and its operations will not pose an unreasonable safety threat to nearby uses and residents.” In seeking authorization to operate at the site, ICE also stated that “ICE and the City, having the mutual goal of protecting the security and safety of citizens and in respect of each other's operational needs, can rely on our respective commitments to provide a safe environment.”

Fifteen years later, that original finding is being challenged by residents who say the facility’s operations have intensified and now pose risks to the surrounding community. “Plaintiffs and other people in Gray’s Landing have suffered acute respiratory distress, horrible burning in their eyes and throats, dizziness, slurred speech, and episodes of PTSD due to the government’s actions,” wrote Daniel Jacobson, the attorney representing residents of the Gray’s Landing affordable housing complex located across the street from the facility. “We are disturbed and concerned…by the use of weapons in direct proximity to our playground and school,” wrote the Cottonwood School of Civics and Science, located roughly a mile away.

For organizers and nearby residents, these incidents call into question whether the facility continues to meet the safety standards that justified its approval in 2011. Their stated goal is a formal reconsideration of the Conditional Use Permit, a process that, if successful, could ultimately prevent ICE from continuing operations at the Macadam Avenue site.

If you’ve attended a protest or followed events regarding the ICE facility, you have most likely heard the term “revoke the permit.” But what does “revoking the permit” actually entail? According to a public FAQ published by city councilor Angelita Morillo, “...this process is lengthy, and includes a Notice of Violation, administrative review, potential hearings, and judicial appeals.” 

That process began in July 2025, when the Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) received what is described as a credible complaint regarding a land use violation. On September 17, the city issued a Notice of Zoning Violation to the property owner Lindquist Development Group. The violation cited “Allowing detainee stays at the Detainee Processing Area of more than 12 hours, which is not in conformance with the approved Security Plan.” 

On October 3, 2025, Attorneys representing Lindquist Development Group filed a request for an administrative review. In the filing, the company's attorney states, “This code enforcement case is a textbook example of unlawful selective enforcement with a clear discriminatory motive and unlawful political retaliation.” City officials dispute this characterization. PP&D spokesperson Elliott Kozuch stated, “Records indicate that detainees were held beyond the facility's 12-hour limit or kept overnight 25 times between October 1, 2024, and July 27, 2025.” 

On February 13, PP&D released a decision on the administrative review: “After reviewing the information, it has been determined the September 18, 2025, Notice of Zoning Violation was not issued in error and there was adequate documentation to support the issuance of the Notice.” The facility now has 30 days to amend the violation, after which the city will issue a monthly fine of $934. While the violation has been upheld, initiating a reconsideration or revocation of the Conditional Use Permit would require a separate discretionary process under the zoning code.

Since the administrative review was initiated, tensions between city officials and local activists have escalated. Organizers argue that the city is moving too slowly and is cooperating with Lindquist Developing Group by granting numerous extensions. The activist group Portland Contra las Deportaciones (PDXCD) has staged innovative demonstrations to pressure city officials into action. “That brought us to February, where still nothing was happening,” said Holly from PDXCD, “that was when we decided to enter the [PP&D] building.”

On February 9, protestors interrupted a meeting and demanded that Eric Kutch take action. “You guys have been ignoring this situation for months…you’re going to talk to us right here right now, because this is a very serious situation,” Holly said as they relayed the encounter. 

Two days before, PDXCD organized a march to Mayor Keith Wilson's home, calling on him to use his authority to begin the reconsideration process. Organizers argue that as the executive head of PP&D, the mayor has the power to push forward enforcement or initiate action. “He has a lot of power as the executive,” said Holly. “We’re asking him to step in and use it in one way or another.” 

When asked if there is any merit to this statement, Elliott Kozuch replied plainly, “The Mayor does not have the ability to unilaterally revoke a land use agreement.” Mayor Wilson could not be reached for comment. 

The question remains whether the mayor's political will, rather than legal authority, is the central obstacle. “I think that he does not have the political willpower to take on the federal government,” said Holly. “He would rather skate out his time in office, put out statements, and gain some political clout without having to put his neck on the line. Despite the fact that protestors, immigrants, and random people of Portland are putting themselves on the line all the time.”