Help and Resources: Federal Law Enforcement Encounters

This page provides information for people who have been detained, questioned, or harmed by ICE agents or other federal law enforcement officers in Portland. It includes links to free legal help, ways to file complaints, and community resources.

If you're looking to report a problem near the ICE facility in Portland (like noise, graffiti or campsites), visit How to report a problem near the ICE facility.

Report misconduct by a federal officer

The City of Portland is working with partners to document federal misconduct and hold the federal government accountable through legal action whenever possible. If you have experienced or witnessed misconduct by a federal law enforcement officer, such as direct force, use of tear gas or other chemical munitions:

1. Get medical care if you need it
2. Document everything that happened
   1. Write down names, badge numbers or vehicle markings
   2. Save any photos, videos or witness statements
3. File a complaint
   1. File a report with the Oregon Department of Justice
   2. File a complaint with the ACLU of Oregon
   3. File a complaint with the Office of Inspector General
   4. File a complaint the House Democrats immigration enforcement dashboard
   5. Find an attorney through the Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO) or the Oregon State Bar
4. Seek legal assistance
   1. Find an attorney through the Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO) or the Oregon State Bar
5. File a police report
   • In an emergency, call 911
   • If it is not an emergency, report criminal activity by calling the Non-Emergency Public Safety Line at 503-823-3333
   • For crimes in Portland, file a police report online with the Portland Police Bureau

Note: City of Portland does not oversee federal law enforcement.

Report potential violations of City Code prohibiting release of chemical substances at a detention facility

The City of Portland is committed to protecting the public's health and safety.

There is ongoing litigation on a U.S. District Court ruling restricting the use of tear gas and other chemical munitions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The City of Portland is closely watching these developments.
 
City of Portland's code remains in effect prohibiting the owner of private property where a detention facility is located from releasing – or allowing – chemical substances that impact safety and enjoyment in the public right-of-way or adjacent property. 

A temporary administrative rule implementing the provisions of this code provides an enforcement framework, including a citation process, fine schedule, service requirements, and appeal procedures.
 
How to Report Violations

Anyone who believes that prohibited chemical substances are released in violation of City Code is encouraged to report it in one of the following ways.

• Submit a report through the City of Portland's online form. 2-5 minutes
• To confidentially report with Portland Permitting & Development,
• Call and leave a message at 503-823-CODE (2633)
• Emailcodec@portlandoregon.gov
• To initiate a formal investigation into federal officers, file a complaint with the DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties or consult an attorney.

Impact fee to facilities that use chemical munitions

The City is expediting implementation of Ordinance 192127, which went into effect on Jan. 2. This ordinance adds an impact fee to property owners who lease buildings to be used as detention facilities. The policy includes additional penalties for use of chemical munitions that extend beyond the facility, such as into a street or neighborhood. This ensures fair cost sharing in high-impact land uses and reduces the burden on Portland taxpayers. 

Know your rights and community support

Access local and state resources that support Portland's immigrant and refugee communities.

• Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights | ACLU of Oregon – Learn about your basic rights under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws, and what to do if they're violated.
• Resources for Immigrants and Refugees | Portland.gov – Services supporting immigrants, refugees and new Portlanders.
• Oregon Sanctuary Promise Toolkit (English) and Promesa de Santuario (Español) – Guides from the Oregon Department of Justice explaining your rights under Oregon's Sanctuary Promise laws, and how to report violations.

Other ways to help

Learn more about ways to get engaged and support your community:

• Protect Oregon
• Indivisible Oregon

This page was last updated Feb. 3, 2026.