Portland’s Police Chief says the city does not participate in federal immigration enforcement.

Police Chief Mark Dubois’ statement on Friday comes after reporting that Portland and South Portland police communicated with federal immigration agents during an enforcement surge in January.

Dubois says they were added to communications related to public safety issues at a local hotel unrelated to any ICE operation.

He says the communication was coordinated to protect ICE agents who were staying at the hotel where protesters showed up, which led to one disorderly conduct arrest.

The Press Herald reports text messages indicate police in both cities collaborated to keep immigration agents safe during their hotel stay and helped surveil protesters.

One Homeland Security agent gave Portland and South Portland police general information about their plans, including advanced notice of when they would leave town.