Multnomah County Chair Declares State Of Emergency Over Impacts Of Federal Immigration Enforcement – KXL

PORTLAND, Ore. – Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson on Friday declared a state of emergency to address what she describes as escalating harm and fear caused by federal immigration enforcement activities in the community.

The declaration is intended to give the county more flexibility as it responds to ICE actions, which county officials say have led to heightened anxiety among immigrant and mixed-status families.

County leaders say stepped-up immigration enforcement has resulted in residents avoiding work, school, transit, medical appointments and county services out of fear. More than 13% of Multnomah County residents were born outside the United States.

Under the emergency declaration, county agencies will be directed to follow Oregon’s sanctuary laws and to provide or facilitate emergency services. The order also allows the county to bypass certain purchasing rules to speed resources to affected communities and seeks state assistance ranging from financial relief to expanded food, housing and mental health support.

The declaration also calls on state leaders and Oregon’s congressional delegation to denounce unconstitutional actions and push for comprehensive immigration reform.

The move comes ahead of a Dec. 18 Board of Commissioners vote on a resolution to reaffirm and strengthen Multnomah County’s sanctuary status. Commissioners are also expected to consider an emergency $250,000 funding package for legal and human services tied to federal enforcement impacts.

Vega Pederson and Commissioner Shannon Singleton will host a virtual town hall Dec. 15 to gather community feedback on proposed sanctuary policy updates.