As tensions rose in Portland’s South Waterfront area, the presence of law enforcement during a recent protest became increasingly pronounced. On Saturday, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) was actively monitoring a demonstration around the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, which has long been a focal point of controversy and advocacy in the city. According to a statement released by the PPB, an Incident Command Team was deployed, steered by a Crowd Management Incident Commander.
During the event, the PPB utilized a variety of resources, such as Dialogue Liaison Officers (DLOs) identifiable by their white uniform shirts, whose main function, acting as a bridge between the police and protesters, was not one of enforcement. Alongside them, teams including the Rapid Response Team (RRT), Air Support Unit (ASU), and the PPB Sound Truck were utilized. The latter is equipped with loudspeakers, presumably to issue dispersal orders or communicate with the crowd.
The efforts of the PPB during this recent protest did not go without incident. Three individuals were arrested, as disclosed by the bureau: Mark A. Lee, 27; Michelle P. Backes, 46; and Stacey A. Prichard, 32, all residents of Portland. Charges include Assault in the Fourth Degree, Harassment, and Bias Crime in the Second Degree, with all three being detained at Multnomah County Detention Center. The protest also prompted medical interventions as an RRT paramedic/firefighter provided care for several participants…