Bend commissioners press for immigrant safety resources after ICE activity concerns; city attorney and equity director outline limits and supports

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, feds, absolutely nothing to local law enforcement in Oregon," and noted such warrants provide no basis for local officers to act in place of federal authorities.

Equity and Inclusion Director Andres Portela told the commission staff have moved immigration resources onto the citys equity web pages and that the city can increase education and outreach. "I think we talk about education and outreach as a part of our work plan," Portela said, and recommended amplifying local organizations that provide immediate immigration support.

Multiple commissioners urged better coordination when residents report a family member detained. Commissioners described a case in which a family reported a father missing to both Bend Police and the sheriff's office and received only a "no" response; commissioners sought guidance on whether those offices could provide referral materials or a list of federal resources to hand to families.

Commissioners and staff identified community organizations that already respond in these situations. Portela and others pointed to legal and advocacy groupsincluding a local immigration advocacy team (referred to in the meeting as LCA) and the offices of U.S. senatorsas potential sources of case assistance. Commissioner Jen Kovetz cited constituent examples and said federal representatives can provide case-specific assistance; she recommended residents contact the offices of Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley for case support.

The commission asked staff to compile and disseminate a clear, concise resource list for residents who suspect a family member has been detained, and to explore co-presenting "know your rights" information with community partners. Portela and staff said they will surface existing resources on the citys equity pages and coordinate with community partners and legal providers to increase outreach and training.

The discussion did not produce a formal vote, but commissioners asked staff to prioritize education, outreach, and partnership with advocacy organizations to give affected community members immediate steps and referral points.

Directives and clarifications arising in the discussion: - Bend Police Department policy: local officers do not conduct immigration enforcement, per the city attorney's office. - Administrative warrants: city attorney advised these carry no authority for local enforcement in Oregon; federal processes differ from local policing. - Resources: staff will publicize immigration resources on the city equity page and work with community partners (including local immigration advocacy organizations) to expand "know your rights" outreach and a short list of referrals families can take to police or service providers.

Commissioners stressed the urgency of making that information accessible in multiple languages and of clarifying what local law enforcement can and cannot do during interactions involving federal immigration authorities.