r3=1 Burcau of PollcG 1111 s.w. znd Avenu€. Foda,xr, oR 972(x lr@rity Cornp.Gslon Accountrbiliry Respect. Er.dLnce. Scrv&e Date: January 5, 2026 rt. tl From: Chief Robert Day Subject: Traffic Violations Observed at the Portland ICE Facility The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and City leadership have received reports and communications about vehicles leaving the Portland ICE facility without visible license plates. This issue raises concerns about accountability, transparency, and possible concealment, which PPB and the City take very seriously. The reports highlight two traffic violations under Oregon law: failure to display license plates (Class D) and intentionally concealing or removing plates to avoid identification (Class B). Legal Limitations: What ls Permitted and What ls Not What PPB C/.14, Do PPB can take enforcement action when an officer directly observes a traffic violation occurring on a public roadway. This includes Class B violations related to intentionally concealed plates. PPB can document patterns of behavior, share observations internally, and ensure officers are aware of the community concerns surrounding the ICE facility. o PPB can enforce oregon traffic laws equally, regardless ofwhether the driver is a federal employee or a private citizen. What PPB CllilflOrDo PPB cannot take enforcement action based solely on third-party photos or video, even if the documentation appears clear. Absent an express exception, Oregon law requires officers to observe the violation firsthand before issuing a citation. See ORS 810.436. PPB cannot target a specific group for enforcement, including federal personnel or contractors. Doing so risk bias-based policing and is not permissible under city or state policy. PPB cannot enforce traffic laws on federal property and cannot detain drivers solely due to their employment with a federal agency. o PPB cannot intervene in federal operational decisions, even when those decisions impact community trust. Communaty Policing: l.l.klng thc Ditferenc€ Together An Equal Opportunity Employer City Information Line: 503-823-4000, TTY (for hearing and speech impaired): 503-823-6868 Website: www.portlandpolice.com CITY OF PORTLAND, OREGON Operational Realities PPB is currently directed to prioritize enforcement actions that most directly reduce injuries and fatalities on Portland's roads, speeding, impairment, reckless drivin& and other high-risk behaviors. The Bureau's decision was informed by the legislative effort to decrease the number oftraffic stops and police interactions, as demonstrated by SB 1-SlO (2022t.. Class D violations, including failure to display plates, fall below the threshold set by the Bureau to achieve these objectives. That said, intentional concealment (Class B) is a more serious violation, and PPB understands why these observations fall outside the usual context. However, even in Class B scenarios, enforcement still hinges on direct officer observation, and PPB must follow the same standards for all drivers to ensure fair, constitutional policing. How PPB Will Address This Moving Forward While PPB cannot guarantee targeted enforcement at specific facilities, they con take the following actions: 1. Share community concerns and descriptions with Central Precinct, which covers the area around the ICE facility, so officers are aware ofthe reported behavior should they encounter it. 2. Continue ongoing communication with federal partners regarding community impacts and expectations around transparency, vehicle identification, and accountability. 3. Monitor community reports concerning the ICE hcility and ensure they are directed through the appropriate channels for review. 4. Reaffirm the Cityt expectation that all individuals operating vehicles on Portland roadways, federal employees or not, comply with Oregon law. What PPB Can Not Do 1. We will not issue citations after the fact based on photos or third-party documentation. 2. We will not treat federal personnel differently-more leniently or more aggressively-than any other driver. PPB's Ongoing Commitment PPB understands that the combination of masked individuals, unmarked vehicles, and concealed plates heightens fear and erodes trust. The City and PPB share the goal of ensuring that all law enforcement personnel operating in Portland, local, state, or federal, are identifiable, accountable, and compliant with Oregon law. lf the community observes future violations in real time, they may report them through 911 for active dangerous behavior or through non-emergency (503-823-3333) for traffic violations occurring in the moment and still observable by responding officers. PPB appreciates community engagement, welcomes continued dialogue, and remains attentive to community concerns related to the ICE facility. Co]nmunlty Polldig: I.king the DIft r.nc. Tolcthc. porice Inrormation une: so3-823-ir536, rry (to. n""nff"i!1"*lil'i'#|;$l#ff1.r* website: http://wwrv.poruandporicebureau.com