#United States #Portland #Oregon #Sanctuary Cities

Portland Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration's Sanctuary City Actions

In a bold move, officials from Portland, Oregon, have joined forces with a coalition of local governments to challenge the Trump administration's executive orders targeting sanctuary cities. This legal action, initiated on February 7, 2025, aims to protect local policies that prioritize public safety and community support over federal immigration enforcement measures.

The lawsuit comes in the wake of a series of directives issued by President Donald Trump and his administration since taking office on January 20, 2017. These executive orders have sought to punish sanctuary cities—municipalities that implement policies designed to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Portland has long declared its sanctuary status, having adopted a resolution in 2017 that explicitly states the city will not allocate funds, staff, or resources to assist in federal immigration enforcement, except as mandated by law.

Mayor Keith Wilson emphasized the significance of Portland's sanctuary status, stating, "As a sanctuary city, we are focused on making Portland a safe, welcoming place for all community members. We object to the federal government attempting to defund public safety, infrastructure, and other critical services in our city. Portland is obligated to uphold both state laws and our values, and we are prepared to make that case in court." This remark encapsulates the spirit of the lawsuit, which seeks to affirm the rights of local governments to self-determine their immigration policies without undue federal interference.

The coalition is led by the City and County of San Francisco, as well as Santa Clara County in California, with contributions from other jurisdictions, including King County, Washington, and the City of New Haven, Connecticut. Notably, the lawsuit will be filed in the U.S. District Court located in California's Northern District. Portland's representation comes from the Public Rights Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for civil rights and supporting local governments in legal matters.

The primary legal contention revolves around Executive Order 14159, titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion." This order instructs federal agencies to cut off essential funding to jurisdictions that do not comply with federal immigration enforcement directives. Consequently, this pressured stance from the federal government raises alarms about the potential impact on public safety and essential city services.

The threat of punitive action against sanctuary cities has intensified in recent weeks, especially after the federal Justice Department expressed intentions to investigate and prosecute officials in sanctuary jurisdictions. This escalated tone was exemplified on a national stage when the federal administration filed a lawsuit against Chicago and Illinois over their sanctuary laws.

For Portland and its coalition partners, the stakes are high. Local governments argue that the imposition of federal enforcement measures undermines the safety and wellbeing of their residents, particularly those who may be at risk due to their immigration status. With community relations strained under the weight of federal scrutiny, many argue that maintaining sanctuary city policies helps forge a more inclusive society, where law enforcement can focus on real crime rather than immigration status.

Members of the coalition are rallying support and preparing for what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle. Across the nation, communities are watching closely as the outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how sanctuary cities navigate their relationships with the federal government.

To learn more about Portland's response to federal immigration policies and for updates regarding the lawsuit, residents and interested parties can visit Portland.gov/Federal-Impacts. Additionally, information on Portland's Immigrant and Refugee Program can be found at Portland.gov/Civic/Immigrants. By taking this stand, Portland aims not only to preserve its values of inclusivity and safety but also to pave the way for other cities grappling with similar challenges as the political landscape continues to shift.