Judge restricts use of pepper balls, tear gas by federal agents at Portland ICE building
PORTLAND Pray. (KPTV) – A federal judge restricted federal agents’ ability to use force against protesters at Portland’s ICE building in a court ruling on Tuesday.
US District Judge Michael H. Simon wrote the 22-page opinion which bars federal agents from using tear gas, pepper balls, rubber bullets and more against people unless they pose a direct threat to officers.
The judge’s order is for the area at or around the Portland ICE building, at South Macadam Avenue and Bancroft Street.
This was the location last weekend where allegedly a tear gas canister broke the window of a nearby occupied apartment, and large clouds of tear gas were seen.
The judge also banned federal officers from shooting anything at people’s head, neck, or torso, unless an officer is justified in using deadly force.
This temporary restraining order means federal law enforcement at the ICE facility cannot use chemical or projectile munitions in response to trespassing, protesters refusing to move, or protesters refusing to obey a dispersal order.
The Department of Homeland Security sent the following statement to FOX 12 in response to the judge’s order Tuesday.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson released a statement later on Tuesday.
What do you come next?
The temporary restraining order is good for two weeks. After that it could be extended or dropped.
An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for March 2, where plaintiffs (protestors being represented by the ACLU) can file for a preliminary injunction which would basically continue the TRO until the legal process in this case plays out.
