PORTLAND (AP) — Many of the homeless people who have been camped outside City Hall since late April packed up their belongings and moved late Tuesday, but some lingered under the threat of arrest.

Dozens of demonstrators left several hours after Mayor Tom Potter and leaders of the protest met behind closed doors. Though they emerged seemingly no closer to finding an answer that would end the stalemate, Arthur Rios, a spokesman for the group, later said fears that police might forcefully remove campers played a part in the decision to go.

“We understand that the mayor is not going to do anything to help us overnight,” he said. “We want to leave with victories we’ve won. And we want to leave in solidarity.”

The protesters want the city to suspend its anti-camping and anti-loitering laws, which allow police to cite people who sleep outdoors on public property or sit on downtown sidewalks.

Potter said police would break up the protests late Tuesday, first by offering oral and then written warnings. Those who didn’t heed the warnings would face arrest.

“I’m not saying you can’t protest,” Potter said. “I’m saying that when you protest, you still must follow city laws.”

City code allows people to protest for up to eight hours at a time — not the 24-7 style favored by the homeless group.

Rios said the campers likely would continue to demonstrate at City Hall during the day but find other spots to sleep overnight.