ICE union asks Portland mayor for police protection

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The union that represents employees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement has called on the Portland mayor to immediately provide law enforcement services to ICE employees.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council lawyer Sean Riddell sent a letter to Ted Wheeler’s office Monday requesting a meeting.

The letter says they want to discuss the hands-off approach Portland police took during the 38-day occupation outside their Portland headquarters in protest to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Riddell wrote in the letter that Wheeler’s decision created “a zone of terror and lawlessness” and resulted in threats of physical violence and harassment toward ICE employees.

The letter said the union would like to avoid federal litigation, but is “prepared to protect our membership and their families.”

A spokesperson for Wheeler said the mayor’s legal counsel was reviewing the letter.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com