Seaside — City staff will publish clear, nonpartisan information for residents about immigration‑related enforcement encounters and direct the public to state resources, after a work session and regular meeting in Seaside on Nov. 24.

Spencer, a city staff member leading the policy update, told the council staff moved the guidance from the "About" page to a visible link on the police department page, added a plain‑language FAQ and Spanish translations, and linked to the Oregon Department of Justice "Sanctuary Promise" guidance and hotline so residents can find legal rights and hotlines rapidly.

"We made a couple of changes today...we've linked also to the Oregon the state's website," Spencer said, describing the updates as intended to make information easier to find.

Police leadership described how officers should respond when residents report unmarked vehicles or plain‑clothes agents. The police chief said local officers are not participating in immigration enforcement and directed staff to verify identification when it is reasonable but otherwise not to interfere with federal operations. "We're not here to do the immigration thing," the chief said, adding verification steps are for officer and public safety.

Councilors agreed that the city's main public message should be factual: what local police can and cannot do under Oregon law, where residents can get help, and how to report concerns. Several councilors urged the city to point people to the single city page as a trusted source and to include community partners and translated materials where appropriate.

There was no unanimous decision on whether the council as a body should add a separate, formal council statement expressing disapproval of the federal activity. Discussion on a written council statement ended without agreement: the mayor characterized the result as a tie and the council left the matter unresolved at this meeting.

Staff said they will prepare social media posts and a "community spotlight" link on the home page that replicate the same factual information available on the police page, and will provide options for council review at the next meeting. The city will also publicize the red "know your rights" cards once they arrive at City Hall.

What happens next: staff will post the resources online and draft social messaging that points people to the city's consolidated guidance and to the Oregon Department of Justice hotline. The council may revisit whether to issue a separate council statement at a later meeting.