As the National Guard prepares to deploy to Portland, city councilors are making efforts to push back against federal intervention, leveraging their limited power within the new governance structure.
Next Wednesday, several councilors will present various proposals aimed at safeguarding Portland residents from the actions of federal law enforcement.
While these proposals may not lead to significant changes authorized by the city’s executive branch or federal courts, they represent a symbolic stance of unity at a time when national narratives portray the city in a divisive light.
“Symbolism really matters right now, and a show of unity and defiance towards the federal government is crucial,” remarked Councilor Candace Avalos, representing East Portland’s District 1.
Avalos, along with three other councilors, is advocating for the expansive “Protect Portland Initiative,” a resolution designed to prompt administrative actions to counter federal agents.
Inspired by leaders in cities like Chicago, who have expressed concern over federal actions, Avalos is advocating for the establishment of an immigrant affairs liaison within city administration.
The resolution calls for the monitoring of federal officers’ interactions with protesters, regular reports on the city’s dealings with federal law enforcement, and policies to prohibit the sharing of personal information about Portland residents with federal authorities, among other requests.
Avalos sponsors the measure alongside Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Council Vice President Tiffany Koyama Lane, and Councilor Olivia Clark.
All four women represent one of Portland’s four geographic districts.
Though they share Democratic affiliations, they collectively reflect the spectrum of perspectives within the city council.
Council President Pirtle-Guiney emphasized the importance of demonstrating to the community that while the council may appear divided at times, they are unified in opposing federal actions that impact the city.
“We want to communicate to the community that we stand together, even if we do not always agree on every issue,” she noted, reiterating their shared commitment to opposing federal engagement in Portland.
If the resolution is adopted next Wednesday, it will primarily prompt city executives to adhere to the outlined demands.
Given the updated form of government that became effective in January, the city council has limited powers in directly overseeing city operations.
Unlike in the past, council members can no longer oversee assigned bureaus; they can primarily propose legislation.
This shift has allowed Mayor Keith Wilson to quickly implement measures, such as closing streets around South Portland’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, a focal point of ongoing protests against President Donald Trump’s policies.
The mayor has also recently restricted public access to certain city offices to limit federal agents’ entry.
This new resolution would require continued oversight from the city council to ensure compliance from the executive branch.
Avalos highlighted the resolution as an opportunity for the council to assert its role in overseeing the city government, saying, “This is an important muscle that we need to flex our oversight of the government.”
Councilor Sameer Kanal is introducing a similar proposal that carries additional weight, aimed at solidifying the city’s status as a “sanctuary city.”
While Oregon maintains its designation as a sanctuary state, Kanal’s legislation would formalize this status within city law, extending protections beyond local law enforcement to all city departments.
The proposal would also codify Mayor Wilson’s recent signage initiative to limit federal officers’ access to city spaces.
Kanal expressed that this initiative signifies just the beginning of the council’s broader response to perceived federal threats.
“This isn’t a one-off response; we must remain vigilant as we continue city operations like repairing roads and constructing sidewalks,” he asserted.
In addition to legislative proposals, councilors have been vocal on national media platforms, condemning the federal response in Portland.
In recent weeks, several city councilors have taken to national television to express their disapproval of President Donald Trump’s intervention strategies in the city.
On Thursday, both Councilor Mitch Green and Councilor Angelita Morillo appeared on CNN, challenging claims made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who suggested city leaders were “covering up the terrorism” allegedly present on Portland streets.
Green responded emphatically, emphasizing, “When Kristi Noem visits our city to misinform the public about the situation here, she faces protesters in frog suits and chicken suits, which may reflect the level of respect she deserves.”
In contrast, Mayor Wilson has opted to refrain from participating in national television interviews, focusing instead on local governance.
The issues at hand present a critical juncture for Portland’s elected leaders as they navigate the complexities of federal involvement in local affairs.
Through their proposed measures and public opposition, the City Council members aim to assert their commitment to protecting their community’s autonomy from federal overreach.
image source from：opb
