Astoria Council adopts resolution condemning federal enforcement tactics

The Astoria City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 1 to adopt Resolution 25-41, a formal statement condemning "the use of aggressive and unwarranted tactics, unlawful detention, [and] use of unmarked vehicles, masked agents, and unidentifiable personnel" in immigration enforcement and reaffirming the city’s commitment to constitutional protections and past city resolutions.

The resolution, presented by staff and modeled in part on language used by a neighboring city, cites prior Astoria resolutions and relevant Oregon law. Director Dart McLean told the council the city attorney worked with staff on the draft. "Whereas recent federal immigration enforcement activity in the region by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has involved the use of unmarked vehicles, masked agents, tactical gear, and personnel without visible identification or federal markings," the resolution states, and directs city personnel to prioritize enforcement of municipal and state law while protecting constitutional rights.

Councilors asked the police chief to summarize information about a same-day regional enforcement event reported in the area. Chief Stacy Kelly said the action occurred at a Walmart at about 11 a.m. and that agents arrived in vehicles without standard agency markings but "they were in unmarked cars, but they did have emergency lights in them." She added officers wore vests with markings and that, from what she had seen, agents "did have masks on as well, but, you know, they were clearly identified as ICE agents." Chief Kelly said two people were taken into custody and that a rumor about broken windows had been confirmed false.

Residents who spoke during public comment described fear in the immigrant community and asked the council to act. Norma Hernandez said the detained workers were performing delivery work and that the arrests had a chilling effect: "They were picking groceries to go delivered," she said, and added that the detentions had left families feeling "under siege." Other speakers urged the council to pursue additional measures beyond a statement, including follow-up with the city attorney on potential legal or policy actions.

The council moved to adopt the resolution, and a roll-call vote was recorded in favor of passage. The resolution reaffirms prior city positions and lists ORS provisions referenced in the draft. The mayor said the adopted document would be signed and attested by the city manager.

The next procedural step the council discussed was whether to request additional legal review from the city attorney on potential code or policy changes related to immigration enforcement. A councilor later requested a closed meeting with the city attorney to explore options that would not involve public deliberation while obtaining legal advice.