Multnomah County, Ore. (Dec. 18, 2025) — In the face of increased federal immigration enforcement, Multnomah County today took steps to strengthen its status as a sanctuary community, unanimously approving specific policy directives to ensure access to County services and $250,000 to support families most affected by these federal actions.
Commissioner Shannon Singleton and Chair Jessica Vega Pederson co-sponsored the resolution and budget allocation approved today. They reflect input from the Board of Commissioners shared during a Nov. 18 public briefing on the County’s sanctuary status, where Commissioners directed staff to return with a comprehensive set of next steps, including a proposed resolution and budget allocation that were ultimately approved today.
Thursday’s votes also followed a virtual town hall on Monday, Dec. 15, hosted by Commissioner Singleton and Chair Vega Pederson, and an emergency declaration last week from Chair Vega Pederson.
“Today as families are being torn apart by masked agents across our County and our state, as parents, grandparents, sons and daughters are being harassed and kidnapped on their way to work, to school or to seek care — based on the color of their skin and regardless of their citizenship status — we must act,” said Chair Vega Pederson, whose office has partnered with Commissioner Singleton’s staff to lead that work.
“My staff has been working on this issue since February. This was and continues to be a priority issue for me not just in words but in actions. My team was trained very early on as MigraWatchers, we have escorted children to school, shared resources with families, and been at local demonstrations,” said Commissioner Singleton. “Seeing this work come together the way it has is a reflection of an expansive community engagement effort to ensure that the voices of the most impacted people are centered. This is our first action, and there will be more to come.”
“I so appreciate that we approach this from a position of trying to be actionable and not just a symbolic gesture,” said Commissioner Meghan Moyer. “Because the time for symbolic gestures has passed, and I believe actively supporting our neighbors in this unbelievably cruel attack is incredibly important.”
“Strengthening our sanctuary policies is a reaffirmation of our County values,” said Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards. “No one should fear that seeking help will put their family at risk. Whether it’s calling 911, reporting a crime or accessing public services, people deserve to feel safe doing so. The County can't stand by as the federal government attacks our neighbors. Today we have an opportunity to take action to support our values and commitment to our community, especially immigrants and refugees.”
“Two months ago I asked how the County can respond when there’s ICE enforcement and I sat with our leadership team and that work is reflected here,” said Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon. “This is who we are as a County and as a region and as a state. And this reflects that, so I'm fully supportive.”
The resolution notes that recent political shifts and increased enforcement have fostered fear among some community members, particularly immigrants and their households, keeping them away from essential health and social services.
The resolution directs several next steps to address the following concerns:
- Access to services: County departments must identify any needed changes to County services — including additional virtual options for appointments, as one example — to ensure all clients can access necessary services and programs, regardless of immigration status.
- Flexibility for providers: The County must provide flexibility in its contracts with providers to help them navigate any impacts from changing immigration policies and enforcement.
- Communication and coordination: Continued coordination among staff and service providers to share information, monitor federal enforcement and track changes in federal immigration policies — helping County programs and providers develop and maintain rapid response networks.
- Public accountability: The County must publicly report on the specific actions it is taking or evaluating to implement programs, policies and resources that protect and support employees affected by federal immigration policies and enforcement.
- Codifying new protections: The Board will consider an ordinance directing further action by no later than Feb. 25, 2026. The ordinance would codify additional provisions in Multnomah County’s original 2016 sanctuary declaration that would, among other proposals, further restrict County employees from asking about or retaining information related to someone’s immigration status and require staff to attend trainings.
The one-time funding approved today, drawn from the County’s contingency account, will be allocated as follows:
- $175,000 will be distributed, no later than early 2026, among currently contracted providers to provide client assistance resources and legal services for affected families.
- $75,000 will go to community organizations not currently under contract — a way to meet the needs of underserved culturally specific groups and increase the reach and impact of County partnerships in the community.
The application process for the $75,000 will launch in January 2026. Criteria will include an organization’s ability to provide legal services, help with utility and rental costs, child care services, case management, and healthcare services.