Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson declared an emergency to address community impacts from federal immigration enforcement, expanding flexibility, resources, and coordination to support affected residents.
Multnomah County, OR. — Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson declared an emergency on Dec. 12 citing ongoing impacts from federal immigration enforcement, stating harm and fear has been caused by actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The emergency declaration, issued as Executive Rule 432, is intended to provide increased flexibility and direction as the County responds to reported effects on residents, workforce participation, and access to services. County officials state that more than 13% of Multnomah County residents were born outside the United States.
According to the County, heightened federal enforcement has led some residents—particularly in immigrant and mixed-status families—to avoid work, school, public transportation, County services, and medical appointments due to fear of enforcement activity. The County asserts these conditions have contributed to a measurable decline in workforce participation…