Talent council adopts sanctuary proclamation, adds constitutional‑rights wording and directs outreach

The Talent City Council adopted a revised sanctuary proclamation on Dec. 22, clarifying compliance with Oregon’s sanctuary framework and amending the draft to emphasize constitutional rights for all residents.

Councilor Byers proposed language to replace the term “inclusive” with wording that the city is “committed to fostering a welcoming, safe community where the constitutional rights of all residents, regardless of language, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, income, citizenship status, religion, or national origin, are respected.” The council approved that amendment.

Councilors also agreed to simplify the statute citation language by explicitly referring to enforcement of “federal civil immigration law” where the Oregon statute prohibits city resources for civil immigration enforcement. City Manager Alex said staff used model language and would cite the relevant Oregon statute in the final proclamation. Councilor Panomaroff and others asked staff to ensure that the proclamation’s text and any published explanation clearly match state law.

The final furthermore directed staff to publish 'know your rights' resources and added local business owners to the list of groups the city encourages to use those resources. Councilor Medina, who brought the item forward, said the proclamation is intended to reassure residents that city services are available and safe.

What happens next: staff will finalize the proclamation language, post the revised text and a 'know your rights' resource link, and schedule the proclamation reading as directed during the next meeting's proclamation point. The council asked staff to coordinate outreach to community groups and to include resources for local businesses.