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Councilors discuss sanctuary-state status and request coordinated community training
Summary
Councilors noted Oregon’s sanctuary-state protections and discussed whether a city-level declaration is necessary; a councilor requested staff pursue clear, locally tailored training and outreach about residents’ rights and interactions with federal immigration agents.
Several councilors raised questions about immigration-enforcement concerns and whether additional local outreach or training would help residents understand protections and their rights.
Councilor Lomp told the council that many Ward 4 residents, including students and teachers, were anxious about federal immigration enforcement and that she had learned Oregon is a sanctuary state with statutes limiting local agency participation in federal immigration crackdowns absent a judicial warrant. Councilor Mozzarella and Councilor Adams echoed interest in clarity; Mozzarella asked whether a city declaration of sanctuary had been completed in the past, and Adams suggested adding a discussion to a future agenda.
Councilor Mozzarella asked if the city should confirm past records regarding a sanctuary pledge, and Councilor Lomp asked staff to coordinate accurate information for residents. Councilor Mozzarella referenced community organizations (e.g., Basic Rights Oregon) and training resources from the Oregon Department of Justice; she suggested city-sponsored or coordinated community training and asked whether department heads and councilors would participate.
Why it matters: Councilors said residents report fear tied to national-media coverage of immigration enforcement; clarity about local policy and trainings can guide how residents respond to law-enforcement contacts and where to seek assistance.
Council direction: The mayor asked City Manager Spence and City Attorney Henningsgaard to confirm records and available resources; councilors expressed interest in scheduling community training through the state Department of Justice or a similar provider and in coordinating materials for residents.
Source: Remarks by Councilors Lomp, Mozzarella and Adams during the Jan. 21, 2025 Astoria City Council meeting.
