Forest Grove officials warn of increased ICE activity, urge residents to document and report

Forest Grove Mayor Melinda Wenszel and Police Chief Henry Ryman issued a joint public announcement warning of increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the area and urging residents to document and report any arrests or detentions.

"I'm Forest Grove Mayor Melinda Wenszel," Wenszel said, adding that the city is "committed to being an inclusive community" and that city services "are here to serve everyone" and that the city "will not ask about immigration status." Chief Henry Ryman said community members should prioritize safety if they witness an arrest or detention and seek support from local immigrant-rights resources.

Ryman directed residents who believe they are observing an arrest or detention to contact the Portland Immigration Rights Coalition (PERK) hotline for assistance and advocacy and advised people to document events from a safe distance but not to attempt to interfere. He reminded listeners that federal ICE agents operate under federal law and that community members must follow local, state and federal laws when interacting with federal agents.

Officials also advised that 911 should be called for emergencies; for non-emergency police matters they provided the Forest Grove non-emergency line. Ryman explained that, under state law, the Forest Grove Police Department cannot assist ICE enforcement without a judicial warrant and cannot interfere with ICE operations, and reiterated the guidance to "observe, record, and report" while remaining safe.

Wenszel closed by saying the city will support affected residents and directed listeners to the City of Forest Grove website for more information and resources.