Portland City Council is Using City Codes to Fight Back Against Trump

Portland City Council unanimously approved two resolutions aimed at strengthening the city's sanctuary status and resisting federal military presence. The Protect Portland Initiative prohibits local police from being federalized and mandates documentation of interactions with federal agents, ensuring the protection of residents' rights to privacy and protest. City administrators are required to regularly seek records of any undisclosed federal enforcement activity, and the initiative extends data-sharing prohibitions to city contractors. The sanctuary resolution, introduced by Councilor Sameer Kanal, seeks to codify current practices that prevent city employees from aiding in immigration enforcement. Kanal emphasized the need for these measures amid recent violations of due process and aggressive tactics by ICE agents.

Councilors are also working on additional legislation to combat ICE, including a proposal requiring law enforcement to display their identities during operations. Kanal's proposed ordinance aims to empower Portland police to verify the credentials of federal agents, ensuring public safety. This legislation reflects a growing trend in cities resisting federal immigration enforcement practices.