Online public commenter urges Yamhill County to shield immigrant residents from targeted ICE actions
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Sonda Martin of Newberg told commissioners she and others fear unlawful targeting and detainment by ICE agents and asked county leaders to direct the sheriff and county agencies to protect immigrant community members.
Sonda Martin of Newberg delivered an online public comment during the Dec. 4 Yamhill County board meeting urging commissioners to protect immigrant residents from what she described as unlawful targeting and detainment by ICE agents. Martin said immigrants "work here, they pay taxes... they volunteer here" and called for the county and sheriff's office to take concrete actions to protect them.
Martin asked several questions of the board, including how the county is directing the Yamhill County Sheriff's Department to protect immigrants, how the sheriff would respond to a 911 call from an immigrant who says they were stopped or detained by ICE, and when commissioners will "make a stand for the immigrant community members." Her remarks criticized rhetoric that she characterized as painting immigrants as criminals and urged elected officials to act rather than offering only words.
Commissioners acknowledged Martin's comments during the public comment period; no immediate directive was issued on the record. The transcript records Martin's questions and concerns but no formal county response or new policy decision during the meeting.