Press Release: April 9, 2026
Media contact:
Multnomah County Communications, pressoffice@multco.us
NEWS RELEASE: Multnomah County Board unanimously approves enshrining sanctuary policies into County code
Multnomah County, Ore. (April 9, 2026) — The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, April 9, unanimously approved an ordinance and resolution formally codifying current state and local sanctuary policies into County code.
The votes follow months of work to strengthen Multnomah County's sanctuary status in response to intensifying federal immigration enforcement that began last fall, creating fear and serious hardships for our community that linger to this day.
“The Board is taking a milestone step that builds on the work we’ve been doing since last fall to respond to the ongoing federal attacks and support our immigrant communities," said Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, who co-sponsored the ordinance and resolution with Commissioner Shannon Singleton.
“We don’t often change County code to address pressing social issues. But the severity of the threat facing our community has been and continues to be such that it demands a novel response — and the County is mobilizing all the tools and resources that we have at our disposal to do that.”
“When I was sworn into office, I knew this would be a priority issue for me,” said Commissioner Shannon Singleton. “I stand as firm as I did then against this authoritative, racist, fascist, and xenophobic federal regime, and I am proud to be sending a clear message that we, here at Multnomah County, will stand up to bullies and stand up for all of our immigrant and refugee friends, families, and neighbors.”
“I also want to thank the immigrant refugee community members for their contribution, not just to the work we’re doing but to this County and this state and to say that you are all welcomed here.”
Thursday's board meeting follows months of work.
The ordinance, and the accompanying resolution formally embrace State Sanctuary Promise Protections, clarify privacy protections, prohibit data collection for civil immigration enforcement, and ban the County from entering into contracts to operate, lease, or sell property for federal immigration centers.
In addition, the measures prohibit the use of County funds to help enforce federal immigration law, and they provide guidance on restricted areas in County buildings by requiring multilingual signage as well as training for employees and contractors.
Both actions were shaped by feedback from County employees and employee resource groups, service providers, community-based organizations and leaders, emergency management workers, business owners, immigration legal services experts, and others.
Nearly a dozen community members testified in support. Speakers shared personal and poignant remarks about the profound fear and uncertainty that federal policies have spread across the community.
View public testimony here.
In December, Chair Vega Pederson declared a State of Emergency allowing for more flexibility and authority to, among other steps:
- Direct County employees to perform or facilitate emergency services
- Suspend standard purchasing rules to get resources into the community faster and
- Request emergency financial relief, expanded food, housing access and supports for affected families
County employees have worked diligently to adapt how services are delivered, including offering home visits, providing food deliveries, offering virtual appointments for patients at County clinics, advocating for relief with utility bills, and coordinating local and regional responses to federal enforcement.
County leaders also approved $175,000 for contracted County providers to support legal services, and offer rent assistance for families affected by recent federal enforcement actions. Those funds are already helping families find some stability and support during this stressful time.
A total of $75,000 in community grants was also awarded to organizations who don’t have existing contracts with the County. The County also received $226,000 in additional Supportive Housing Services (SHS) funding from Metro to support rent assistance and other emergency assistance for families impacted by immigration policy changes and enforcement.
The ordinance and resolution approved Thursday include a definition of “restricted access” making clear that Federal immigration authorities cannot access restricted areas unless the agent(s) presents a judicial warrant signed by a federal magistrate or as otherwise authorized by applicable law.
During Thursday’s board meeting, the Board approved an amendment by Commissioner Meghan Moyer that further clarifies the Board’s intention and expectation on what restricted access means and how it would operate in practice. The amendment states that the County’s exclusion policy should be enforced when persons accessing County services are subjected to acts of harassment, or intimidation, or disruption to County staff delivering services in County facilities.
“When we say County facilities we mean all County facilities,” said Commissioner Singleton. “The visible signage, training, everything will be made available and translated on the same day to make sure everybody is able to see and understand the signage.”
Commissioner Remarks
“Multnomah County is strongest when we stand up for our neighbors, and strengthening our sanctuary policies is a reaffirmation of our County values,” said Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards. “Immigrant and refugee communities are essential to Multnomah County’s social and economic fabric and future, which is especially true for District 3 and communities in East Portland.”
Commissioner Brim-Edwards added, “Today’s action sends a message: You belong here, and Multnomah County will continue to show up, protect civil rights, and work to ensure Multnomah County remains a welcoming and safe place for all.”
“I want to encourage us to push as far as we legally can — not only because I see that as our role, but because I believe this is more than a legal issue: It’s a moral issue,” said Commissioner Moyer. “We have tremendously benefited from our immigrant community, and are not going to turn our backs on our neighbors.”
“I want to say thank you to everyone who came out for public testimony. This is extremely important, it is a core responsibility as elected leaders to protect our communities. This resolution and ordinance do just that, I’m proud to support them both,” said Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon.
The County ordinance is an emergency action, which means it takes effect immediately.
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