At the Newberg City Council meeting on Dec. 15, multiple public commenters pressed the council to respond publicly to community fears about immigration enforcement and to acknowledge the vulnerability of immigrant residents.

Sonda Martin began the public-comment period by criticizing the council for failing to “make a statement that the city supports the immigrant community” and for not reaching out to people who had spoken previously. Martin said the council’s inaction left many residents feeling fearful: “You all sit there and you refuse to acknowledge and address the real fear and concern that a significant portion of our residents have right now.”

Jessica Yu read statements submitted by others and urged the council to “uphold civility and the rule of law” while expressing alarm about ICE activity and new detention centers. Yu said she was “terrified about all the new detention centers being built” and asked how the city will protect residents, including Native American relatives she said might be targets.

Other commenters rebutted those concerns. Mike Gunn told the council that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local authorities lack jurisdiction to stop ICE: “If you don’t like the law, get your congress to change the law.” He said Oregon’s designation as a sanctuary state limits local enforcement and argued police should be applauded for following the law.

Shelley Cobb urged the council to focus on local issues within its authority, saying, “under our laws, local police and officials cannot interfere with ICE activities,” and thanked councilors for prioritizing housing, public safety and business growth. Dave Brown and Judy Brown offered praise for councilors and staff, calling for civility and balance in public debate.

Council members did not take a policy vote on immigration at the meeting. The discussion remained in the public-comment record: residents on both sides urged the council to act or to refrain from actions beyond its legal authority, and speakers repeatedly contrasted local responsibilities with federal immigration powers.

What happens next: The council did not adopt any new local policy or directive on immigration at this meeting; public commenters asked the council to consider statements or actions in future sessions.