Local Democrats ask county for plan to protect residents amid talk of federal deportation actions; speakers cite Oregon law

Residents and local party leaders urged the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 9 to adopt a countywide response plan to protect residents’ legal rights in the event of a large-scale federal deportation effort.

Christine Kennedy, chair of the Clackamas County Democratic Party Justice Committee, told the board the committee approved a call to action asking jurisdictions and elected officials across the county to “formally communicate a county wide response plan to protect the legal rights of people who may be impacted.” Kennedy referenced the “Oregon sanctuary promise,” saying it is “codified in ORS” and that the statute “spells out how county and city resources should be involved or not involved” when federal immigration agents appear at schools or homes.

Kennedy said community anxiety is high: “The kids, especially in the schools, especially the kids of color, are very worried about this and very concerned that they're going to be swept up in this.” She asked the board to consider a resolution and a communications plan detailing expectations for schools and other local agencies.

Earlier, Rick Dodge described concerns about crime and illegal immigration and urged the county to “remove ourselves from” sanctuary status. Those remarks reflected public comment; no board action was proposed or taken at the Jan. 9 meeting.

Chair Craig Roberts and other commissioners listened and later urged patience while agency processes unfold. Roberts reminded commenters that “we must permit that process to proceed” in reference to a separate law-enforcement investigation referenced by members of the public; he also invited written submissions for the public record.

No resolution or directive to staff to draft a countywide plan was adopted during the meeting. Commissioners did not take a vote on any immigration-related item on Jan. 9.