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Forest Grove officials urge residents to document suspected immigration enforcement and outline rights
Summary
Mariana Valenzuela, president of the Forest Grove City Council, urged residents to document and report suspected immigration enforcement, reminded the public that city services are available regardless of immigration status, and cited state sanctuary-law limits on local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Mariana Valenzuela, president of the Forest Grove City Council, urged residents in a public statement to document and report suspected immigration-enforcement activity and said city services are available to everyone regardless of immigration status.
Valenzuela said the council has received reports of increased enforcement activity in areas around Forest Grove and reiterated the city’s commitment to being an inclusive, safe community. She was joined at the statement by Police Chief Henry Rayman.
"No preguntaremos sobre el estatus migratorio," Valenzuela said; in translation, she added that the city will not ask about immigration status when providing municipal services. She advised residents who believe they are witnessing an illegal arrest or detention to call a coalition hotline mentioned in the statement, if it is safe to do so, and to document events from a safe distance rather than attempting to interfere.
Valenzuela advised calling 911 for emergencies and gave the city nonemergency line as a separate contact for nonurgent situations. The statement also referenced a hotline operated by a local immigrant-rights coalition; the coalition number appeared fragmented in the transcript and residents were directed to the city's website for full contact details.
On legal limits, Valenzuela said, "Oregon es un estado santuario," and explained that under state law the Forest Grove Police Department does not assist or participate with federal immigration-enforcement operations. She urged residents to observe, record if it is safe, and report suspected violations to appropriate authorities.
The statement noted trained staff at the Coalition of Immigrant Rights can help people who call the hotline. Valenzuela cautioned the public not to interfere with law-enforcement activity and to contact 911 if someone appears to be impersonating an agent or officer.
She closed by asking residents to visit the city website for more information and to share the guidance with friends, family and neighbors.
