Meet the Groups Helping Immigrants Impacted by ICE

The Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) has seen a dramatic increase in hotline calls, with over 700 reported in the last month, primarily concerning ICE activity. This surge aligns with heightened fears among local immigrant communities prompted by aggressive enforcement policies from the Trump administration. PIRC, which became an independent nonprofit in 2021, collaborates with rapid response organizations to validate reports of ICE presence and offer legal support. Spokesperson Natalie Lerner highlighted the critical need to avoid spreading fear while ensuring accurate information is shared. The coalition's network has effectively mobilized to assist detainees quickly, with local responders reaching the site of detentions within 20 minutes in a recent case.

PIRC prioritizes safeguarding the privacy of individuals involved, deciding whether to alert the community based on specific circumstances. This approach underscores the coalition's commitment to supporting immigrant rights amidst rising enforcement activity. Legal representation is crucial to prevent detainees from being transferred far from their support networks.