Residents say ICE actions have sown "shockwaves of fear" in The Dalles; commissioners hear requests for local supports

Members of the public told the Wasco County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 17 that recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in The Dalles has left families and schoolchildren fearful and isolated. Residents urged local officials to convene partners, fund supports for families after detentions and set up a trusted community hub for legal referrals and emergency planning.

The board heard from multiple speakers during the public comment period. "The enforcement has sent shockwaves of fear," said Janet Hamada, executive director of The Next Door, which runs family support programs. Hamada said masked, unidentified officers during recent actions had left children "traumatized and families isolated." Zelda Dorado, a local educator, asked county leaders to "establish clear procedures" and "designate points of contact for families affected by enforcement actions." Dorado said the county should prioritize emergency protocols for minors and coordinated communications to connect families to services.

Advocates described how students are missing school and taking on adult responsibilities because of parental fear. "Nobody is talking about it," Mary Jo Comerford, a retired educator, said of the underlying trauma affecting Latino students, and she challenged elected officials to publicly affirm support for the students. Tim Schechter, a longtime community activist, called the situation a "catastrophe" that risks long-term workforce losses and urged the board to consider a local emergency declaration, emergency funds for families and a task force to coordinate supports.

Liz Guzman, speaking on behalf of Latinos Unidos, called for a more concrete local response to prevent the "real-time destruction of families," suggesting a Latino network office or designated county program to provide "Know Your Rights" education, legal referrals, counseling and emergency planning. Leslie Naramore of Mid-Columbia Community Action Council and Elizabeth Fernandez, MCCAC care coordination manager, also urged private listenings and coordinated supports.

Commissioners acknowledged the limits of county authority over federal immigration enforcement but said the suggestions were worth exploring. Vice Chair Philip L. Brady said the county has been meeting with partners and praised organizers for town hall meetings. "We will work with staff on how to properly proceed with the ICE comments," Chair Scott Hege said, adding the board could bring policy options back for consideration.

The speakers asked for three concrete actions: a public statement of support for affected families and their U.S.-born children, funding for aftercare supports for families who lose a breadwinner to detention, and a joint task force or designated office to provide legal referrals and trauma-informed services. The commissioners did not take any formal votes or adopt an immediate policy during the meeting; they directed staff to consider next steps and report back.

What’s next: The board said staff would work with community partners on possible follow-up, and commissioners suggested bringing ideas—such as a listening session, a task force or a formal proclamation—back to a future meeting for discussion.