Ashland adopts proclamation opposing possible ICE detention facility

By KOBI NBC5 Staff

MEDFORD, Ore. (KOBI/KTVZ) — City leaders in Ashland have officially adopted a proclamation opposing the potential placement of an overnight U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in the Rogue Valley. Mayor Tonya Graham presented the proclamation during a city business meeting today.

The proposal for the proclamation originated from Ashland's Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory commission. Community members and local officials expressed concern that such a facility could divert city resources away from the community and create due process issues for detained individuals.

Currently, there are no overnight ICE detention facilities operating in Oregon. The closest facility servicing the region is located in Tacoma, Wash.

Graham outlined the city's rationale when presenting the official proclamation. “...As it is incompatible with Ashland's local infrastructure capacity, economic development priorities, tourism, agriculture, community defined strategic goals and basic human rights and due process for incarcerated individuals,” Graham said.