In response to the ongoing actions of President Donald Trump and his administration, the Portland City Council is taking a collaborative approach to defend the city’s core values and protect its residents.
City councilors Candace Avalos, representing District 1-East Portland, and Elana Pirtle-Guiney, who leads District 2-North and Northeast Portland as council president, emphasized the importance of unity in their message.
‘Every day, new precedents are set,’ they noted, as communities across America face unprecedented challenges due to the current administration’s aggressive policies aimed at militarizing urban areas and undermining democratic values.
Portlanders are witnessing these threats manifest in their neighborhoods, compelling City Council members to take decisive action to ensure safety, inclusivity, and continued progress.
The councilors pointed out that they have seen positive changes in their city: violent crime is decreasing, downtown areas are regaining vitality, and community spirit is rising.
‘We can’t allow the threats posed by this administration to derail our progress,’ they stated, urging residents to question who they want to be during these troubled times.
Recognizing that maintaining a strong safety net is essential, Avalos and Pirtle-Guiney called for protections that encompass clean streets, affordable shelter, a robust economy, and living-wage jobs.
City Hall has recently undergone significant restructuring following a charter reform vote, introducing some challenges but also opportunities for councilors to engage with the community.
Despite occasional disagreements, the councilors expressed a unified front when it comes to safeguarding Portland’s values and its residents.
‘Our only way forward against these threats is to represent Portland together and speak with one voice,’ stated Avalos.
In light of their collective commitment, the council plans to unveil the ‘Protect Portland Initiative’ in the coming week.
This joint resolution, supported by fellow council members Tiffany Koyama Lane and Olivia Clark, aims to address the vulnerabilities of Portlanders targeted by federal policies, particularly concerning immigration status and free speech rights.
Avalos and Pirtle-Guiney emphasized that these protections are not only for those currently affected but are crucial for all Portlanders, as anyone could be at risk in the future.
Key provisions of the resolution include directing the city administration to gather essential information on federal enforcement actions and potential surveillance activities impacting citizens.
The initiative advocates for regular Freedom of Information Act requests to federal agencies operating in the city and mandates quarterly reports to the City Council on the findings related to immigration enforcement.
Moreover, the resolution aims to develop rapid response plans in collaboration with community partners to address potential immigration raids and establish protocols for dealing with the detention of city employees by federal agencies.
It also seeks to extend existing sanctuary policies to city contractors and introduce new guidelines for the Portland Police Bureau to ensure a clear separation from federal immigration enforcement.
The resolution further addresses concerns regarding possible impersonation of ICE agents, establishing a process to investigate such incidents.
The councilors expressed hope that the community would rally behind these efforts, which are crucial for preserving the city’s values during these challenging times.
‘Keeping our dialogue and values strong and connected is the only path forward,’ they asserted.
Residents of Portland can rely on their elected officials to remain dedicated allies and champions for their rights as the city confronts both fascism and federal overreach.
Together, Avalos and Pirtle-Guiney concluded, the community will emerge stronger by standing firm, supporting one another, and working collectively to protect their democracy and daily lives.
image source from：oregonlive
