Portland police removed a caution tape barrier on Wednesday evening that had cordoned off blocks around the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland.

Officers put up the tape and barricades Tuesday and characterized them as “routine support” for a visiting dignitary when U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem came to town.

Federal officials asked Mayor Keith Wilson to create a permanent perimeter around the ICE facility. But by Wednesday afternoon, Wilson had ordered the barrier removed.

Wilson said he decided to do so after some members of the Portland City Council raised concerns that keeping the area restricted could further inflame tensions.

Protester Ren Purkerson, wearing a caution tape bow in her hair, said she was in a protester camp near

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