This Newly Revised Paperback is a Very Disturbing Account of “How the Border Patrol Became the Most Dangerous Police Force in the United States” by a College Professor Reece Jones. He is the author of Three Books on the Subject. It Can be Ordered at Sherman’s Books, 49 Exchange Street in Portland.
This afternoon the city’s spokeswoman, Jessica Grondin, issued the following statement on behalf of Portland Police Chief Mark Dubois.
“As a matter of City policy, the Portland Police Department does not engage in immigration enforcement and does not participate in enforcement actions on behalf of the US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency,”
“The Portland Police Department did not initiate a recent conversation with Homeland Security officials.”
“We werre added to a communication that was related to public safety and security issues at a Portland hotel, not anything related to ICE operational activites. This type of communication and response is in line with how we would respond to anyone requesting public safety services. We were not informed of any pending Homeland Security operations or locations nor did we participate in any of that activity. We have reviewed this with the City’s Corporation Counsel to confirm that this conversation does not violate Portland’s City Code.”
“During this time the Police Department was monitoring public discussions related to protests, and potential vandalism at a Portland hotel, for the sole purpose of ensuring public safety. We received approximaely 20 calls for service at the hotel with complaints and concern for safety by staff and guests. While there was a discussion of setting up a security camer to minotir any potential crimes in the hotel parking garage, this camera would not have been in place to monitor protesters. However, this did not happen and a security camera was never put in place.”
“The Portland Police Department is committed to complying with all City ordinances and the public’s right to assemble and express their views peacefully. Our primary mission during demonstrations is to ensure the safety of all involved, including participants, bystanders and the broader community. Officers are present to support lawful activity, manage traffic as needed, and address any public safety concerns.”
Incidentally, a front page article appeared in the “Portland Press Herald” this morning titled: “Portland, South Portland Police Texted With Immigration Agent During Maine Surge.” The in-depth article says among other things that: “Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Jeffrey Laroque gave Portland and South Portland police officials general but limited information about his agents’ plans, including advanced notice of when they would leave town. In some cases, the local officers were encouraging and congratulatory.”
For background information on Police Chief Mark Dubois, please visit post herein datded July 28, 2023.
The city’s spokeswoman has not responded to an inquiry from this blogger as to whether or not the Chief’s above statement was in response to the front page article in the “Portland Press Herald.”