PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal has introduced new legislation aimed at expanding the city’s sanctuary protections and increasing accountability for law enforcement officers.
Codifying Sanctuary City Status
The first ordinance would formally codify Portland’s 2017 resolution declaring itself a sanctuary city. While the resolution symbolically affirmed that city funds and personnel could not be used for federal immigration enforcement, it did not carry the weight of law.
Kanal’s proposal would change that, directing the City Administrator to develop binding policies, training programs, and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance. The measure also calls for providing additional support to immigrant and other vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by immigration enforcement.
“This is about making sure our values are reflected in enforceable policies,” Kanal said. “We want Portland to remain a place where everyone feels safe, regardless of immigration status.”…