City Council Unanimously Passes Councilor Kanal's Sanctuary City Status Codification Ordinance

On October 15, the Portland City Council unanimously approved an emergency ordinance to codify the city's Sanctuary City status, offering enhanced protections for immigrants. This ordinance prohibits all City employees from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement and establishes guidelines for handling such interactions. Councilor Sameer Kanal noted the importance of solidarity among Council members and community support in achieving this milestone. The ordinance mandates the posting of signage to distinguish public and private spaces and requires the Portland Police Bureau to report any violations of the prohibition. Additionally, it directs the City to file Freedom of Information Act requests with federal agencies and to advocate for stronger civil rights protections at the congressional level.

The ordinance takes immediate effect, building on a non-binding resolution from 2017. Over 60 community members testified in favor of the ordinance, reflecting widespread support. Organizations such as the ACLU of Oregon and SEIU Oregon endorsed the measure, highlighting its local significance.