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Bend commissioners press for immigrant safety resources after ICE activity concerns; city attorney and equity director outline limits and supports
Summary
Human Rights and Equity Commissioners discussed recent concerns about immigration enforcement, sought clearer local resources, and heard from the city attorney that local police do not participate in immigration enforcement. Staff and community partners were urged to expand outreach and resource lists for families affected by detentions.
Commissioners of the City of Bend Human Rights and Equity Commission spent a substantial portion of their June 25 meeting discussing community fears over immigration enforcement and seeking clearer, accessible resources for residents affected by detentions.
Commissioner Scott Jones raised "tension" in the community related to possible ICE activity and urged the commission to be prepared to send letters or take other actions to support a welcoming environment. Several commissioners described community members who feel unsafe walking in public and reluctant to speak Spanish in public.
Ian Lighthizer of the City Attorney's Office addressed the commission on legal limits and local policy. "Bend Police Department does not participate in any immigration investigation or enforcement, full stop," Lighthizer said, adding that the department has an internal policy explaining that stance. On administrative warrants, Lighthizer said, "administrative warrants mean no offense,…
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