The City of Portland used the media to put out its commitment to protecting and supporting the immigrants who it states significantly contribute to the health, prosperity, and vibrancy of the community. In 2017, the City Council declared Portland a sanctuary city, a designation that underscores its dedication to inclusivity and the provision of essential resources for all residents.
Portland website stated that the city’s commitment to serving its residents transcends birthplace, language, race, ethnicity, or immigration status. The city aims to provide all individuals with dignity, respect, and safety. It put out information stating that for those who have experienced family detentions by ICE or witnessed ICE raids, the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-622-1510, offering support in multiple languages.
As a sanctuary city within a sanctuary state, Portland emphasizes the importance of educating community members about their rights and ensuring they feel safe and protected. The 2017 declaration by the City Council entails several key provisions:
– City employees, including police officers, will not enforce federal immigration laws.
– Portland police will not collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents unless explicitly required by federal law.
– City funds and resources cannot be utilized to enforce federal immigration laws.
However, it is crucial to note that this designation is subject to state and federal laws. In cases of conflict between the sanctuary city declaration and state or federal law, compliance with the law is mandatory. The federal government retains jurisdiction to enforce immigration laws within Portland, and the city cannot obstruct ICE operations.
Portland government website stated that the majority of immigrants are peaceful, law-abiding individuals who contribute significantly to the local economy. In the Portland-Vancouver metro area, immigrants account for 15% of the workforce, 19% of entrepreneurs, and a substantial percentage of healthcare and STEM professions, generating approximately $12.4 billion annually, including $5 billion in taxes, according to the American Community Survey.
Research, including a 2022 study funded by the National Institute of Justice, indicates that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than their native-born counterparts, with undocumented immigrants being half as likely to engage in criminal activity. The City Council’s decision to allocate resources towards community health and safety rather than immigration enforcement aligns with the understanding that these responsibilities lie with the federal government.
The U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, with federal courts consistently ruling that sanctuary laws are constitutional.
