Bend, Redmond mayors join Gov. Kotek in letter calling for immediate halt to federal immigration enforcement actions
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Gov. Tina Kotek and more than 30 Oregon mayors sent a letter Thursday to the Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, demanding a halt to federal immigration enforcement actions in the state until recent use-of-force incidents are investigated and those involved are held accountable.
Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler and Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch were among the 31 mayors who signed onto the letter, which you can read in full below.
"We demand an immediate halt to federal immigration enforcement actions in Oregon until thorough investigations of use-of-force incidents in Minneapolis, in Portland and all other use of force incidents by federal agents are thoroughly investigated and those involved are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," Kotek said.
The governor said she and the mayors are calling for a pause in enforcement actions following reports of increasingly aggressive tactics and recent use-of-force incidents involving federal officers. The Oregon leaders said such actions erode public trust and threaten individuals exercising their First Amendment rights.
The governor and mayors called for federal actions to stop until use-of-force incidents in Minneapolis, Portland and other locations are thoroughly investigated.
Gov. Kotek emphasized the state's position on federal accountability in the joint letter, arguing that state and local law enforcement agencies are essential to public safety. They said the agencies have built community trust through local policing strategies that are being damaged by federal actions that exclude local partners and prioritize intimidation.
Oregon officials also highlighted the negative impact of current enforcement practices on daily life. They stated that families are avoiding work, school, health care and local businesses because of fear regarding these federal operations.
Despite the federal actions, the officials reaffirmed Oregon's commitment to its Sanctuary Law. They indicated that state and local resources will continue to be focused on community-based public safety needs. The letter concluded by expressing support for immigrant and refugee communities, stating that they belong in the state, and that Oregon stands with them.
The letter follows a January 30 executive order and a series of conversations with community leaders, including a roundtable convened by Governor Kotek with community leaders.
