Portland lands on federal sanctuary city list amid growing pressure by Trump administration
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The Trump administration has put Portland, Multnomah County and Oregon on notice, including them on a list of 500 so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that it accuses of obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
Why it matters: President Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from state and local jurisdictions that don't fall in line.
The big picture: The list released Thursday is the latest pressure tactic on jurisdictions the administration claims are defying federal law by limiting information-sharing and cooperation with immigration authorities.
- The list includes major urban centers like Seattle, New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Zoom in: In Oregon, a total of 15 counties and four cities — Beaverton, Eugene, Hood River and Portland — were among those named on the list published by the Department of Homeland Security.
Between the lines: The term "sanctuary jurisdiction" lacks a specific legal definition, often referring to cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration agencies.
- Oregon's sanctuary law, enacted in 1987, bans "state and local police and government from helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement."
- Portland passed a similar resolution in 2017.
What they're saying: "These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens," DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a news release.
The other side: "Portland stands unwavering in its commitment to sanctuary policies, rooted in the belief that every resident, including immigrants, deserves dignity, respect, and protection," Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement.
- He added that the city "will not obstruct lawful federal enforcement operations."
- "Oregon will not be bullied into doing the federal government's job of performing immigration enforcement," Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement.
Catch up quick: In April, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to document sanctuary cities that are not complying with his immigration agenda.
- Portland joined more than a dozen cities and counties in a lawsuit that same month challenging the administration's efforts to withhold funding from jurisdictions that do not cooperate with the administration's crackdown on immigrants.
- Meanwhile, Oregon and 19 other states this month filed two separate lawsuits over the Trump administration's threats to withhold federal funding from states that do not assist with federal immigration enforcement.
What's next: DHS is demanding that jurisdictions on the list "immediately review and revise their policies."
- Wilson said in his statement that Portland will continue fighting against the Trump administration's threatened funding cuts.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from Oregon's governor.