The Portland Police Department issued a criminal summons for one of the protesters who gathered outside a Residence Inn on Thursday night, causing a disturbance and banging on a drum set because they believed ICE agents were staying at the hotel.
At approximately 10:07 p.m., Portland Police responded to the Residence Inn at 145 Fore Street after reports that a crowd of roughly anti-ICE protesters had gathered outside the hotel.
The crowd, apparently believing ICE agents were staying inside, caused a disturbance in the lobby, blew whistles, and even brought a drum set to make noise, with the apparent goal of preventing ICE agents from sleeping, and without regard for anyone else trying to sleep in the hotel or the surrounding area.
Police repeatedly warned the group to depart or face disorderly conduct charges, but they reportedly ignored law enforcement.
Eventually, police issued a criminal summons to a single male protester, Peach Cushing, 28, of Brunswick, on charges of disorderly conduct.
It is not clear why only one of the protesters was charged or whether more charges are forthcoming, but the police asked anyone with information regarding the incident to reach out.
Cushing appears to be politically active and has submitted testimony on bills numerous times. During one of his testimonies, he described himself as a “queer non-binary individual.”
He is also a member of the Maine Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
