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Philomath committee discusses outreach after reports immigrant neighbors avoid community meal
Summary
Committee members heard reports that some Hispanic/immigrant residents have stopped attending a weekly community meal out of fear after federal policy changes; they discussed community outreach, mutual‑aid approaches, and whether the mayor or police should issue clarifying messaging about local practice and Oregon's sanctuary‑state protections.
Several committee members raised concerns that a Tuesday community meal had seen lower attendance from Hispanic neighbors following changes at the federal level, and they urged the committee to explore outreach and reassurance measures.
One member described the drop in attendance and asked whether the Inclusivity Committee could help by offering food or other assistance. Members proposed meeting with the meal organizers and exploring tangible mutual‑aid options, such as flyers, volunteer sign‑ups and visible messages of welcome at meal sites.
The group also discussed whether an official city message would help. A participant said local leaders could clarify that Oregon law constrains local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and that city resources are not being provided to enforce federal immigration actions. Staff suggested the mayor and police chief could coordinate a factual statement explaining local roles and reassuring residents that local officers enforce local laws and prioritize public safety.
Committee members agreed to meet with community‑meal hosts and report options back to the full committee at the Feb. 25 meeting. Staff offered to draft or repurpose language from nearby jurisdictions to make a clear, nonpolitical statement and to coordinate outreach to organizations that already provide services to immigrant communities.
