This federal government does not care about our communities, due process, or rule of law.

We are in an unprecedented time where local government has to stand against the destructive power of ICE agents in our streets. Beaverton has to work with the state, county, and other local governments on solutions that keep us safe while Congress abdicates its responsibility and lets the Executive branch run rampant.

Cities are not designed to have to protect themselves from the federal government. At the same time, Beaverton’s responses are slowed down by two things. First, our form of council-manager government means that elected officials have to meet in council to direct the City Manager. In normal times, this helps us by having a professional staff member acting as the city’s executive officer; in these times, it slows elected officials down from taking direct action. Second, Beaverton has faced structural deficits year over year, leading to strained city staff and few monetary resources to help.

What is the City currently doing?

• Beaverton has declared a state of emergency.

• Beaverton has joined two lawsuits against the federal government to protect funds from being clawed back and keeping soldiers off Oregon streets.

• City staff are currently working on codifying our sanctuary city status into city code, hopefully completed by January. The goal of this codification is to gain the ability to sue when ICE illegally enters non-public, city-owned spaces.

• City staff are ensuring our data is safe by verifying Beaverton data will not be sold or given to ICE.

• Beaverton is offering utility bill and towing assistance.

What will I do?

I am proud to live in a city where so many people have gotten involved in protecting our neighbors and speaking out. As a neighbor, I carry a whistle and am working with other community members to provide relief to neighbors suffering right now. I also plan to give my time to support federal races in 2026 so that we have a Congress that will pick up its reins of responsibility to protect our communities. As a city councilor, I plan to:

• Support legal action taken against ICE.

• Work to partner with our local, county, and state governments to find solutions to keep our communities safe.

• Be transparent with the community about what the City is doing.

• Support the continuation of the City sharing resources on its pages.

• Watch, listen, and learn to see what strategies have worked in other cities.