(PORTLAND, OR.) — Portland City Council receives update on Macadam ICE facility, as Portlanders ask for action on recent issues.
Public commentary was varied at the Wed. July 15 meeting.
Jeremy Beausoleil Smith advocated making it 'impossible for ICE to terrorize the people in our beautiful city,' citing recent federal killings and his friend's deportation after detention in Tacoma.
He criticized the mayor for stalling on the investigation into the McAdam facility permit and holding ICE accountable, noting ICE's multiple violations of its 2011 permit.
Photo Credit: YouTube / eGov PDX
“Indifference in the face of injustice is siding with the oppressor. Why does ICE get special treatment? If others violate the terms of their permit, especially as many times as ICE has, they get evicted,” Beausoleil Smith said.
Beausoleil Smith thanked Councilors Morillo and Kanal for their efforts on detention facility fines and the 'Right to Know Who's Policing You' ordinance. He stressed the importance of fully funding the Police Accountability Board and increasing law enforcement transparency, asserting ICE officers lack credibility.
Next, Brandon Markov expressed thoughts on the Moda Center funding and Trail Blazers' relocation threats. He found it 'ridiculous' that the NBA commissioner suggested relocation.
Markov proposed that the new owner should contribute $60 million of the requested $120 million, and the city should dedicate $20 million to work/rehab programs for the homeless and affordable housing.
Following public communications, Council President Jamie Dunphy spoke about the ongoing responses to the federal interventions in Portland, before inviting City Administrator Raymond Lee to give his report.
Administrator Lee then turned it over to City Attorney Robert Taylor.
Taylor informed the council that a decision was made on Fri. in the city’s favor.
Video Credit: YouTube / eGov PDX
Taylor told the council that this is good news and an important step but warned that there is more to come.
“Good news. More to come. We are in litigation over this. It will take time just to set expectations. It will take time. It may take longer than we want. But this is a good step, and we are going to keep doing our best here,” Taylor said.
Councilor Sameer Kanal asked the city attorney to outline the next steps.
Taylor responded by telling the council that the circuit court will now review the decision and if upheld the decision could go through the appellate process. If the decision is upheld through the judicial process, then it is hopeful that they can bring the owner into compliance. He emphasized that now they must respect the stay and move through the litigation process.
OpGov.news will continue to follow developments on the Macadam ICE facility.
If you would like to comment on or add to this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org.
0
0
Comments