Milwaukie City Council issues joint statement reaffirming support for immigrants and inclusion

Milwaukie, Ore. — At its Feb. 11, 2025 meeting the Milwaukie City Council read a joint statement expressing concern about recent federal executive orders the council said target immigrants, diversity initiatives, environmental protections and birthright citizenship.

Councilor Stavenjord, who opened the statement on behalf of the council, said the actions “are direct challenges to the fundamental rights and freedoms that define us as Americans,” and pledged that “Milwaukie will not be swayed by chaos or fear.” The statement affirmed that city policy and Oregon law prohibit city employees and police from participating “directly or indirectly in immigration-related enforcement.”

The council’s remarks were followed by public comments from the city’s Equity Steering Committee. Gabriela Santoya Gutierrez, the city’s equity and inclusion coordinator, read remarks from committee members including Shana Justice and Liz Start, who called for continued prioritization of diversity, equity and inclusion in city work. Roberto Riola Moreno, speaking on behalf of the committee, urged the council to reiterate the city’s support for undocumented residents and other groups he said would be affected by federal directives.

City staff and council members said the statement is intended as a reaffirmation of local practices and values rather than a legal challenge to federal policy. Council members and the equity steering committee said they expect the city to embed those values into ongoing work, including the council’s upcoming goals and action plans.

The council did not take a formal vote on the statement; it was read aloud near the start of the meeting and entered into the public record.