Concern grows in Oregon as Trump toughens immigration policies

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — With President Trump promising to get tough on undocumented immigration, concern is growing in Oregon.

A sanctuary state, local and state police are currently barred from helping with federal immigration enforcement.

But many in Oregon are fearing mass deportation after President Trump signed several executive orders to tighten immigration and border security.

At a multicultural event in Hillsboro – hosted by IRCO, Unite Oregon and others Sunday afternoon – attendees told KOIN 6 News they have been speaking with friends and family whose loved ones live here undocumented.

While they note they are trying their best to navigate the system, they don’t have all the answers.

“I recently had a situation with a family member who had to go to court. He does not currently have legal status and was worried about trying to make a decision about whether or not to go to court, which would cause problems,” said Amanda Wheeler-Kay with the Oregon Health Care Interpreters Association. “That he would not be able to get documentation in the future if he didn’t comply with the court order to go to court. And yet wondering whether he would be arrested at court. It’s a huge fear.”

Some immigration policies that have changed involve officials making more arrests. Further, the administration also ended a policy to avoid arrests at “sensitive locations,” including schools, hospitals and places of worship.

President Trump additionally ended use of an app to allow migrants to enter the country on a two-year work permit.

Given these circumstances, those in attendance at the Hillsboro event say their friends and family are afraid to go to the grocery store, school and work.