The federal government threatened Monday to jail protesters who have blockaded the ICE building in Portland, Oregon, saying that while they have a right to protest they cannot entirely shut down a federal agency’s operations.
For days, protesters who dubbed themselves Occupy ICE PDX have been gumming up operations at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement location in Portland.
Local authorities have declined to stop the demonstration, according to press reports.
So the Federal Protective Service, a federal police agency responsible for government buildings, has gotten involved. On Monday FPS officers delivered ultimatum notices to the protesters saying they must move or risk arrest.
We acknowledge the community’s concerns driving these demonstrations. While demonstrators have a lawful right to assemble and voice their concerns, blocking the building’s driveways or entrances is not permitted under federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
The Portland protest is part of a new and vicious backlash against ICE, which in addition to acting as the government’s main deportation force also combats child sex trafficking, enforces laws against knock-off merchandise, investigates immigration fraud and works to reduce gang violence.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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