A federal judge indicated Wednesday that he is likely to extend and strengthen restrictions on how federal officers use force against demonstrators outside the immigration enforcement building in Portland.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon said he is considering expanding an existing order that limits the use of crowd control weapons such as tear gas, pepper balls, pepper spray and similar munitions against protesters who are not acting violently.

If the order is extended, Simon said he intends to clearly outline the difference between passive resistance and active resistance to police commands. He also plans to include practical examples that could help federal officers better understand the distinction during crowd control operations.

The judge said the potential clarification could also be used as guidance for training officers who respond to protests near the federal immigration office. He noted that the court has reviewed what he described as disturbing evidence related to how force was used against protesters.

Simon has not yet issued the updated order but suggested a decision could come soon.