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Residents urge Medford council to adopt local sanctuary policy, request staff training
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the Medford City Council to adopt a local sanctuary resolution or ordinance and to provide recurrent training for city staff and police to ensure compliance with Oregon's sanctuary statutes and anti-bias protections.
Dozens of residents asked the Medford City Council on Dec. 17 to adopt a local sanctuary policy and to provide training for city staff and police on Oregon’s sanctuary laws.
“I'm here tonight because I am very upset about what we've been seeing through homeland security and border control across the state of Oregon,” said Ellen Eichhammer, a longtime Medford resident, during the public-comment period. David Eichhammer cited the Sanctuary Promise Act (HB 3265) and Oregon Department of Justice materials and urged the council to publicly endorse guidance for city employees implementing the state law.
Several other speakers — including Miriam Greer, Arlene Aaron, Doug Fraser and Alan Hallmark — said that local action would protect immigrant families in Medford and reduce fear in neighborhoods, schools and workplaces. Kathleen Dunham said farmworkers in her neighborhood are already reluctant to participate in school activities; Arlene Aaron asked the council to consider pausing the city’s use of the “Flock” program as other Oregon cities have done.
Speakers repeatedly asked the council to require recurring training so Medford police and other city employees know when cooperation with federal immigration authorities is permitted (for example, when officials present judicial warrants). David Eichhammer asked the council to publicize the state DOJ resources he said exist for reporting violations and educating staff.
Councilors did not take formal action on a sanctuary ordinance at the meeting. Mayor John Vile thanked speakers for their comments and said the city will send routine responses acknowledging the testimony. Several council members echoed appreciation for the civility and noted staff will follow up through the city's standard response process.
The council did not schedule or vote on a draft sanctuary ordinance or resolution on Dec. 17; any future policy or ordinance would return to the council for formal consideration.
