South Portland, Maine – A demonstration outside the
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility escalated into tension
Tuesday night after federal agents dispersed the protesters with pepper balls
launched from the building's roof and stepped up security on the surrounding
streets.
According to local media reports such as KATU-TV, at least
four people were detained and taken to the detention center. However, one of
them was reportedly released hours later, although authorities did not specify
what charges the protesters would face.
Witnesses reported that the officers' intervention occurred
after a group of people remained in the area despite evacuation warnings. The
presence of patrol cars and the use of riot gear marked the operation, which
generated tension between protesters and local residents.
Immigrant rights organizations criticized the police
deployment and demanded transparency regarding the reasons for the arrests.
"The use of force against those exercising their right to peaceful protest
is unacceptable," said a spokesperson for a local group.
By press time, ICE had not issued an official statement on
the incident, while activists announced they would maintain their presence in
the area to demand changes in federal immigration policies.
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