Portland councilors present sanctuary codification, mask and detention proposals as public hearing draws large turnout

Portland councilors used a Sept. 23 Community and Public Safety Committee meeting to air multiple draft proposals aiming to strengthen protections against federal immigration enforcement activity in the city and to solicit public feedback.

Councilor Kunal (sponsor) presented a draft ordinance to codify Portland's 2017 sanctuary-city resolution into binding city code; require signage and clarifications of public and nonpublic spaces; require bureau-level training and designated liaisons; and direct the city to submit Freedom of Information Act requests about federal activity in Portland. "We have the opportunity to use every single tool in the toolbox to make and keep our communities safe," Anna Maria Perez of Latinx PDX told the committee in support.

Two additional draft proposals discussed were Councilor Murillo's pair of measures: a detention facility impact fee to require property owners who lease to detention facilities to pay an ongoing fee to offset city costs…