Portland Police Chief Bob Day released a letter to the public addressing immigration enforcement efforts, declaring that the “Portland Police Bureau does not engage in immigration enforcement.”
“Like many of you, I am closely monitoring reports of immigration enforcement efforts beginning across the country and engaging in direct conversations with our culturally specific advisory councils that represent many of our immigrant families,” Day said in a letter to community members. “It is paramount to recognize the fear and uncertainty this creates in our immigrant communities. I want everyone to feel safe and protected, which is why it is important to understand that the Portland Police Bureau does not engage in immigration enforcement as outlined in PPB Directive 810.10. Simply put, we have no legal authority to do so.”
Day said that he is “not alone in my concern for our immigrant communities,” noting that Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield have each stated their commitments to “protecting our immigrant communities.”
“I take great pride in PPB’s community engagement and continuous efforts over the years. We have long-standing relationships within the immigrant communities and Portland-based organizations that advocate and serve these families,” Day wrote. “In addition, members of the Police Bureau are continuing outreach efforts to build relationships, especially in communities that may be distrustful of police.”
He closed the letter by entering the bureau’s commitment to “protecting, serving and supporting all residents and community members of the City of Portland, regardless of their actual or perceived national origin or immigration status.”
A recent memo from the Department of Justice directs prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who impede the enforcement of immigration laws.
The memo from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove urges prosecutors to be aware of any policies that obstruct deportation efforts.
“Indeed, it is the responsibility of the Justice Department to defend the Constitution, and accordingly, to lawfully execute the policies that the American people elected President Trump to implement,” the memo said.
Bove wrote that the Supremacy Clause and “other authorities require state and local actors to comply with the Executive Branch’s immigration enforcement initiatives. Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing, and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests.” He added, “The U.S. Attorney’s Offices and litigating components of the Department of Justice shall investigate incidents involving any such misconduct for potential prosecution.”
