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Fair Board discusses ICE presence and policing policy ahead of 2025 fair; county counsel to advise
Summary
The board is seeking legal guidance on whether and how federal immigration agents may operate on the fairgrounds; staff said county counsel is reviewing relevant ORS and staff may convene a quick meeting to adopt a last‑minute policy before the fair if necessary.
Washington County Fair Board members discussed public concern over possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity at the county fair and asked county counsel to clarify what policing actions are permitted on the fairgrounds.
Staff told the board that safety and security partners (the sheriff’s department, Hillsboro Police Department and private security) are meeting to prepare for the fair, but questions remain about the scope of federal officers’ authority on the grounds. The presenter reported receiving phone calls, emails and social media messages from people worried federal officers would detain fairgoers without warrants.
County counsel is reviewing Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and advising the fair on options, staff said. The presenter described a potential outcome where the fair board could adopt or amend an access or policing policy that specifies conditions under which federal officers may detain individuals on the fairgrounds (for example, permitting arrests on a warrant but restricting roving, warrantless enforcement). Staff also said the board could convene an expedited meeting — including a Zoom/electronic vote if needed — to adopt any required policy before the fair opens.
The presenter said training for the sheriff’s department and fair staff will proceed regardless of the policy outcome. No policy change was adopted at the July 2 meeting; staff will return with legal guidance and, if necessary, call a special meeting prior to the fair’s opening.
Ending: County counsel is reviewing statutes and staff will report back; the board reserved the right to convene a short meeting to adopt any required access or policing policy before the fair opens.
