The Real Story: Fear and Frustration at Hillsboro City Hall
Hundreds pack City Hall demanding action as ICE arrests spread panic through Oregon’s most diverse city.
A Column – Editor’s Note: This meeting was broadcast by TVTCV & community testimony was well worth watching. Check the video at 1:30 on- https://tvctv.org/hillsboro/ – If you do not have time to read this lengthy review, please scroll down to the Voices Of Hillsboro section and witness some of the testimony that was given.
Update 11/6/2025 – 10:00 AM – We shared the testimony of a few brave individuals who came forward to be heard. One of them is a young man named Manny. Manny lives in Hillsboro. His story and raw emotion have gone viral on Instagram, resonating with people around the world. Almost 1 MILLION people have heard his words. The response is overwhelming support for him, his family, and everyone in Hillsboro and the world going through oppression and living in fear. His story, their stories, our story as a town is now known by the world. For that, we have a courageous and strong young man to thank. We are all #MANNY
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Hope Turns to Disillusion
Fueled by hope that Hillsboro’s City Council would follow Washington County’s lead—after the County declared a state of emergency earlier that morning—hundreds of residents poured into City Hall. The atmosphere was tense but expectant as the 6:00 p.m. Work Session began. These sessions are designed to outline the City’s response plans in the event of a crisis.
But within ten minutes, the familiar refrain returned: “There is nothing we can legally do.”
Some funds were reportedly set aside for small business relief grants—vital for many who are hanging on by a thread—but most of the discussion revolved around policy, State and Federal laws, and general reassurances. Hillsboro Police Chief Coleman was present but was not allowed to speak until the second work session, which began at 10 PM. The Hillsboro Chamber delivered a presentation claiming that “fear” was the biggest problem and that residents really needed to return to shopping and dining out to support vulnerable businesses; an understandable need in an environment where ICE is focused on Hispanic/Latino-owned businesses.
That message—which went on far too long—was met with visible disagreement. Councilor Olivia Alcaire countered directly, warning that based on the number and manner of arrests, those most at risk should stay home and avoid gatherings. By then, the energy in the room had collapsed. The optimism had drained away, replaced by disbelief and anger.
“The optimism drained away, replaced by disbelief and anger.”
Worse still, those who had arrived early were informed that the main auditorium was packed and were directed to stay in the back conference room to view the proceedings of the main Council meeting on Zoom screens. The sense of frustration was palpable.
Voices of Pain and Defiance
Fifteen minutes later, several hundred people were packed into the Shirley Huffman Auditorium, and the real meeting began. Dozens of speakers—representing all races and backgrounds—delivered heartfelt testimony and pleas for the City to act. The emotion was raw, the evidence undeniable, and the stories shared in both Spanish and/or English left many in tears.
The consensus was unmistakable: despite what the City Attorney claimed, Hillsboro is already in a state of emergency. Fear has gripped the community, regardless of race. Businesses of all kinds are faltering as the fragile ecosystem of our local economy—largely driven by Latino labor, service, and ownership—begins to unravel.
If they go down, we all go down.
The narrative that this is merely “false fear” or “hysteria” was not believable. More than ten speakers named family members who have been arrested or taken. The emotional damage to children and the generational trauma this campaign is creating will last far beyond this crisis. It will last their whole lives, and that is unacceptable.
Leadership Tested—and Found Wanting
Mayor Beach Pace, while attentive and courteous, made no promises and showed no urgency to act. The West Point graduate who has proven in the past that she can move mountains when she wants something badly enough had no answers tonight. All that was offered were vague assurances, a small pool of funding for nonprofits, and talk of possible future steps.
This was not what people came to hear. She listened, and she seemed to care, but she also seemed paralyzed—worried about legal exposure, federal pushback, and Hillsboro’s brand image. Mayor Pace ran the meeting efficeintly, respectfully, and professionally- it just felt all too sterile and procedural to many.
The Chief Speaks-
In the 2nd work session, it was Chief Jim Coleman’s turn. Here is a man deeply conflicted and in a challenging and horrible position. He is trying to protect his officers and staff from Federal arrests and prosecutions if they interfere, as well as the citizens he and all HPD officers are sworn to protect. He chose his words carefully, and at times paused, seeming to struggle for the right ones.
The Chief answered some helpful questions- one that was on my mind is that Hillsboro Police Department does not use FLOCK cameras which have recently been exposed as high-tech systems that allow massive amounts of vehicles and persons to be scanned and tracked by Cities who use them- the problem being that it is highly frowned upon and ICE has been found to have backdoor access to all of the data and tracking information. HPD does have LPR (License Plate Recognition) units that can be placed along a road and read every plate that goes by, and they have been used in the past. But Coleman was clear, they are not using them in Hillsboro right now.
Here is some of what the Chief had to say:
“We are committed to protecting and serving the visitors, the the workers, the people who live in the community of Hillsboro. We do that by following Oregon state law and the guardrails that it sets up as we try and protect and serve. We do that because we run quickly into trouble. If any kind of personal belief or matter of expediency causes us to reconsider whether whether or not to follow the law. We know that making an exception under any circumstances is just the beginning of stepping on a slippery slope of what would ultimately be many unintended consequences of that. So it’s it’s difficult to hear that folks feel like we could be doing more. I hope to help people understand what we are doing with those constraints in place.”
Regarding arrests and specific calls that come into HPD to come to an ICE arrest or interaction he said this:
“First of all, we understand and expect our officers to know what the First Amendment means and to understand the lawful expression of it. We use reasonable methods to verify suspect. Suspected apprehensions are not actually an abduction, a missing person, or a criminal matter that needs further investigation. We take reasonable steps to investigate suspicious vehicles and circumstances. We use reasonable methods and availability of time to secure or return personal property in the wake of an apprehension. We make notifications to affected family members if that’s practical. We assist community stakeholders such as schools, businesses, public officials if they’re impacted by an apprehension when possible.”
The Council asked him several questions and did his best to answer. But there was much he could not answer and referred to the City Attorney and others above his pay grade. He did touch on things that HPD could do if escalations got out of hand:
…luckily we have not seen a circumstance where, um, we saw a federal agent, um, acting in a way that we could, um, articulate was with criminal intent, and but if we and that is, as, um, the city attorney explained earlier, the bar is incredibly high. It’s it’s probably higher than most people realize to be able to say that’s criminal. But, you know, um, if we saw somebody, um, you know, at the other end of a use of force, for instance, that looked as if that person’s life was in peril. I think we’d be hard pressed not to at least, um, you know, say, hey, do you see what’s going on here? I, you know, you need to we we can say and suggest a lot of things without actually making physical contact, without breaking Oregon state law. Uh, we have not come close to that yet. I know a lot of the things are very traumatic…”
Lastly, in the relatively long exchange, Councilor Salgado asked the question about calls that HPD receives, in which people need help and are afraid they are being arrested by impostors or armed thugs who are not ICE. Here is that exchange:
Councilor: Um, my questions are. Can you confirm that if somebody is pulled over by somebody wearing a mask in an unidentified uniform and they call 911, that you are able to respond and confirm the identity of the officers. Can you just confirm that that is a call that you would respond to?
Chief Coleman: Yeah, we we. Would respond to any 911 call. When we do respond, I mean, we we can’t demand a warrant. We can’t demand their identification if they make, uh, reasonably, um, obvious to us that they are our federal immigration enforcement, then we’re right back in that zone of neutrality.
Councilor: So let me just share a scenario and let me know what the likelihood is. So, you know, we heard that from a lot of people today that they’re scared just to be out in public. Right. And we hear it through multiple channels. Not just so now we’ve been hearing it for months. And so let’s say, you know, one of there’s a Latina woman in a car and she’s getting pulled over and she’s like, well, I don’t I can’t see any badge or identifier. Um, and calls 911. And, you know, you get there in time in that situation. How do you engage? Are you saying that you can’t confirm that they’re agents or not or. No, I mean, how would that play out if that was the likely scenario?
Chief Coleman: It’s probably understandably way easier for us to determine if somebody is law enforcement or not. We we know what to look for. We probably we have not struggled to identify Ice officers. If they’re out on foot. It is enormously difficult to know if a vehicle is actually an Ice vehicle or not. Um, there are a lot of people driving cars with blacked out windows that are not Ice agents. Yeah, uh, we don’t know that all Ice agents drive cars with blacked out windows. We just don’t know. Lots of them are rentals. They don’t all have emergency equipment. They don’t have special license plates. Vehicles are difficult…. on foot we can usually very quickly. And we have been able to very quickly identify that they are federal federal agents. They’re not all Ice agents. I think most people know that, but that they’re federal law enforcement, federal law.
You can watch the Chief and hear the entire exchange here- at about the 4-hour mark: https://tvctv.org/hillsboro/
The entire transcript is available here: https://reflect-tvctv.cablecast.tv/store-5/30484-Hillsboro-City-Counc-v2/transcript.en.txt
A Plan Ignored
Salgado’s Plan:
- Create a City Civil & Human Rights Department.
- Work jointly with the Hillsboro Police Department.
- Deploy staff as neutral witnesses during ICE operations.
- Document all interactions to ensure compliance with legal and constitutional requirements.
- Maintain records, track patterns, and rebuild public trust.
- Demonstrate visible City action—immediately.
There is significantly more to it. In the three pages Salgado brought forth, I see a workable and meaningful effort, and it is something that can be deployed quickly. Despite quiet support from Councilors Sinclair and Alcaire, the proposal was swiftly dismissed. Mayor Pace and City Attorney Chad Jacobs returned to the “we can’t do anything” mantra and refused even to send Salgado’s plan for preliminary staff analysis. Discussions were had about the lateness of the hour and the need to revisit his idea, which was not at all aligned with the urgency stressed by community members just a few minutes before.
The only concrete idea that could have offered a glimmer of hope was shut down, leaving many to wonder if Salgado himself was being sidelined. For anyone who stayed through the whole six hours, the conclusion was unmistakable: little to no action, one serious attempt at progress denied, and a city left more frightened than when the evening began.
Where We Go from Here
Hillsboro needs leadership—right now. What we witnessed tonight was not what it needed to be, but it was a start.
Everyone understands that HPD cannot legally interfere with ICE operations. But doing nothing is not leadership. A local state of emergency must be declared. Plans like Salgado’s deserve an honest review. Creative, bold policies must be explored before fear becomes the new normal.
ICE is just getting started. Their bully tactics are already working—especially against a city that hesitates to stand tall. The true leaders right now are not behind the dais; they are the kids, the teachers, and the neighbors standing watch for one another.
The Voices of Hillsboro
What follows are the words of those who spoke—the real stories of Hillsboro. The testimony that filled the room was heart-wrenching and unforgettable, wave after wave of courage and pain. I must honor the tears we all heard, the fears we all felt together in that room. It was palpable. It was surreal. These are just a few of their voices.
The Hillsboro Herald – Established in 2019
Jorge Cisneros
Thank you for taking the time. I want to mention people not yet mentioned: the kids and older people. We had a program pre- and post-pandemic for older folks struggling to meet food needs—across all races.
Kids are hurting—school, childhood, mental health. This is getting worse. The future worries me: how much are we investing in our human capital, the kids?
We are the service labor this economy relies on—because we’re cheap labor. Many died during the pandemic; like after wars, the U.S. has relied on Mexican labor (Bracero program). Perhaps the issue lies with the federal government and the state; you tell me.
I see ICE terrorizing our homes. I don’t call them ICE; I call them terrorists. Change the vocabulary, and you’ll change action. History shows systematic oppression; I’ll leave it there.
Miguel
Thank you, Mayor and Councilors. You’ve been grilled tonight; thank you for your time and service.
Numbers: According to the school district website, about 41.8% of Hillsboro students are Latino. Students mean families—many with mixed status; many are business owners and workers our city relies on.
My personal story: this has directly impacted me and my younger brothers. My dad was picked up by ICE a day ago. My younger brother had already decided to enlist in the military. Our hearts ache—he chose to serve the country that is targeting our dad. We have conflicting feelings.
Families face heavy financial burdens: attorneys are expensive. We were told it’ll take $30,000–$35,000 to move the case forward, and proceedings move fast with tactics that increase costs. You’ll hear more of these stories from people you know and represent.
As hard as your job is, acknowledge there’s an issue that needs to be addressed systematically. Things won’t be okay if we do nothing. Thank you.
Barry Don-Smith
Good evening. I’m a Washington County resident, 2022 Hillsboro Civic Leadership Academy member, and former member of the Hillsboro Arts & Culture Council.
I’ve been working with mutual aid groups helping those affected by ICE activity. People are afraid—many don’t feel safe leaving their homes, going to work, or taking kids to school. We’ve been delivering groceries because people are afraid to go to the store.
When a significant portion of our community feels unsafe participating in daily life, that’s a public safety emergency. Please prioritize addressing this crisis with every tool available. There are legal limits under the Supremacy Clause, but that shouldn’t stop us from helping. Act through communication, coordination, and compassion. Engage with affected families, community groups, and staff to understand what’s happening and find local solutions.
A quote to reflect on: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
It’s easy to talk diversity and fairness when times are calm; true character is revealed now. Jim Crow was “the law,” and it was used to oppress. Would you have had the same hesitation then?
Are the Black Lives Matter and MLK values we proclaim still real in this moment? How will you show up now?
Juan Pedro Moreno Olmeda
Good evening/buenas noches. I’m a lifelong Hillsboro resident (28 years), soccer coach, future business owner, and community advocate. Many of us live in fear—fear our parents might be deported. We used to believe if we paid taxes, followed laws, kept a low profile, we’d be okay. That’s no longer true. People with no criminal record are being taken from their vehicles and families.
I have seven soccer players here from Hillsboro High—please stand. Recently, one teammate lost a father and two uncles; another lost an older brother—all taken by ICE. We’re going door-to-door to raise funds for costly legal cases.
Children of immigrants expect to become the financial pillars. Look at these kids and the sacrifices they’d face—leaving school, quitting soccer, working to support their families. Our community supports each other, but we need more action to protect our members, especially youth. Trauma takes generations to heal.
Please continue investing in leadership development—without it, I wouldn’t be here or organizing my team. Thank you.
Ignacio Sánchez
Hello, my name is Ignacio Sánchez. On October 26, my father and two uncles were taken by ICE on their way to work. When my dad was taken, my whole world changed. He didn’t leave because he wanted to, but because the system decided he didn’t belong.
I’m not asking for sympathy; I’m asking for change. Families should not have to live in fear of being separated. I don’t like public speaking, but for my dad I’ll do anything—because I know he would do the same. Thank you.
Lucía – La Mixteca Oaxaca Restaurant Owner
Good evening, and thank you.
I’ve lived in Hillsboro for almost 10 years. I chose this city because it’s beautiful and because of how welcome we were made to feel. Unfortunately, we’ve faced difficult situations and have felt ignored. I live here so that my children can live peacefully and grow up to be good people. But the situation has become chaotic. We had a meeting at Paisanos Plaza with several of you; you knew this was going to happen. Whose side are you on—the side of the minority, which now makes up 64%?I’ve helped people who come to my business crying at six or seven in the morning because of immigration. I’ve reported things many times, and nothing is done. Please keep your word. We want you to stand up for those who can’t be here today. Thank you.
Buenas noches y gracias. Vivo en Hillsboro casi 10 años; elegí esta ciudad por lo bonito y lo bienvenidos que nos han hecho sentir. Lamentablemente hemos tenido situaciones difíciles y nos hemos sentido ignorados.
Vivo aquí para que mis hijos vivan tranquilos y sean personas de bien. La situación se ha vuelto un caos. Tuvimos una junta en Paisanos Plaza con varios de ustedes; ustedes sabían que esto iba a pasar. ¿De qué lado están—de la minoría, que ahora somos un 64%?
He ayudado a personas que llegan a mi negocio llorando desde las 6–7 de la mañana por migración; he reportado muchas veces y no hacen nada. Cumplan su palabra. Queremos que den la cara por quienes no pueden estar aquí. Gracias.
Lupe Medel
Thank you, Mayor and Council. I’m tired. I’m here as a mother and a citizen. I’ve been in this city 28 years. I’m tired of being profiled and being told “there’s nothing we can do.” Really? How do I explain to my kids—every day—that civil rights don’t apply to all of us because of our skin color or hair?
I carry my passport because it’s a matter of when, not if, I get stopped. Are there civil rights for my community? I don’t disagree with deporting criminals, but those being deported are working-class people whose “crime” was seeking a better future for their families.
Do we have to go back to wearing face masks so we won’t be profiled or scanned by phone databases every day? What do I tell my kids—born here—that civil rights don’t apply because they’re Latino? I’m running out of explanations. Thank you.
María (from Paisanos Plaza)
Good evening, thank you for listening to us, Councilors.
These days we spend our time watching cars with dark tinted windows and license plates from other states. Instead of watching the news in the morning, I look at Facebook and YouTube to find out if it’s safe to go out—to take my daughters to school or to run errands.Why should I have to resort to that if I’m living in the safest country? And yet, my daughters and granddaughters can’t go outside because they’re afraid. I ask them to share their locations with me so I can keep track of them.
I come representing Paisanos Plaza, where I have placed my hopes and my business. We are 100 Latino vendors—hardworking people who contribute to this country. We pay state and federal taxes; we are not a burden. We refuse to give up our businesses.
We ask for support for small businesses. We’ve bought whistles (and possibly safety vests), and there are people watching over the area so that everyone can feel safe coming to shop and support our businesses. I speak from my heart. Thank you, and please take care of us.
Buenas noches, gracias por escucharnos, concejales. Estos días pasamos viendo carros polarizados con placas de otros estados. En vez de noticias en la mañana, veo Facebook y YouTube para saber si es seguro salir a dejar a mis hijas a la escuela o hacer mandados. ¿Por qué recurrir a eso si estoy en el país más seguro? Aun así, mis hijas y nietas no pueden salir por miedo. Les pido sus ubicaciones para vigilarlas. Vengo en representación de Paisanos Plaza, donde pongo mis esperanzas y mi negocio. Somos 100 vendedores latinos, personas trabajadoras que aportamos al país, pagamos impuestos estatales y federales; no somos una carga. Nos rehusamos a renunciar a nuestros negocios. Pedimos apoyo a los pequeños negocios. Hemos comprado silbatos, (¿chalecos?) y hay personas cuidando los alrededores para que se sientan seguros y vengan a comprar. Hablo de corazón. Les doy las gracias y les pido que nos cuiden.
Jessica N.
I was born and raised in Hillsboro. During Trump’s first term, I was a kid, and I was afraid—I had a meltdown in class. Now, with his second term, I feel like that little girl again—afraid I’ll come home and my parents will be gone. I’m the oldest of five. No one should fear being separated from family.
It’s unfair that this is happening and that our elected leaders are “saying” but not “doing.” I hope you will do something so we don’t have to live in fear. Thank you.
April Davis
The fear and anger in this room is palpable. I don’t come from this community, but I can feel something is not right.
My father was born in Nazi Germany in the 1940s; my grandfather was tortured there. I’ve heard references tonight—I hope we’re not there, and I don’t think we are as a city or country. I see hope in our community caring for one another, and I hope that resonates in Hillsboro.
I also heard a story about Jesus bringing peace even when things are chaotic. I love this city; I’ve lived here for over 30 years, in Washington County, my whole life. I’m hoping things can calm down. Thank you.
Manny Chávez
Hello, my name is Manny. I hope you side with us and hear us—we’re fighting for what’s right and for our rights.
I’m scared my parents will walk out the door, and I won’t get to say goodbye. They fought hard to be here for their kids. We are judged by our skin color and speech; we have a president who doesn’t side with us and a police department that does nothing.
Please hear everyone in this center. I’m scared I’ll lose friends; that parents will be gone; that we’ll have to fend for ourselves; that masked, unidentified people will detain me. Even U.S. citizens aren’t protected—we’re treated like animals.
Do something. I’m tired of showing my parents videos of ICE pulling people over because of their color. I shouldn’t live like this at 16—I should be focusing on school, and I can’t. Please make a change.
Sharon
I didn’t intend to speak—this is on my phone. Thank you for staying late so we can participate. I’ve lived in Hillsboro over 17 years; my kids attend Hillsboro Public Schools, where many friends are children of immigrants.
I’m not here to ask you to declare an emergency—the emergency is already here, and declarations are empty without meaningful action. Legally, you cannot impede federal operatives; the Constitution forbids it. But what’s happening isn’t about legality—it’s history repeating. An evil man uses racial scapegoats to inflame supporters and consolidate power. This is Germany in 1933—the quiet beginnings before the horrors.
Our president and cabinet have abandoned legality wholesale, believing we have no recourse as they control Congress and the courts. The social construct has broken down. Reflect deeply on your place in history and how you would like to be remembered. Make a stand for what America is supposed to be; keep our people safe by any means necessary. They want to make an example of us because we are inclusive—show them it makes us strong.
Yvette Savala
Good evening. Thank you for giving Hillsboro residents this opportunity—other cities haven’t stepped up with statements or public forums like this.
When I was 8, I witnessed a kidnapping of someone I love; they survived, but that trauma remains. As a mother, I never thought my son (a Hillsboro School District student) would be at risk of witnessing something similar here.
ICE picking people up near schools, preschools, and daycares inflicts trauma on hundreds—children, families, staff. Saying “we can’t do anything”concerns me. I’m an American citizen, and I’m using my privilege to speak for parents too afraid to be here.
Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary resolutions. We have to show up. Asking us to “play it safe” while agents “play in our face” isn’t working. We will stand up and respond. You have to pick a side—stand with the administration out of fear, or be ready for the consequences of inaction. Thank you.
Lisa Unger
Good evening, Mayor Pace and City Council. Thank you for engaging with everyone—you haven’t shied away. I’m Lisa Unger; I married into Hillsboro’s countryside. I’m a foster mom and adopted three children from foster care.
We teach our kids to stand up to bullies, look out for the underdog, respect leaders, and uphold laws. When my kids ask about ICE picking up farmworkers—“Are they bad? Do they have kids? Who will care for their children?”—what are we teaching?
Will we see abductions in front of our eyes with no warrant? I teach that law protects us; this doesn’t feel like protection. There aren’t enough foster homes. Are ICE agents willing to foster the children left behind? What legacy and trauma are we leaving? Please look out for the underdog. Thank you.
The following video was screenshot from my laptop only because there was no guarantee any of you would ever be able to see the faces of those I featured above. They are but a handful of the citizens who came forward to have their voices heard- Here is the video:
Hillsboro Resident (Name To Follow)
Mayor Pace, I voted for you in confidence that you’d be able to represent our community. With all I have seen, I need less talk and more action. Your silence regarding what is happening to the families and the community that you serve speaks volume. Children in our community are being directly impacted. Teens at my son’s high school are being chased by ICE vehicles while driving their own cars to and from school. Children are having barriers with attending school because of what is happening. And we all know the impact right now is greater than ever before because of the current food insecurity, the staff benefits being cancelled. I expect you all to do something. I can’t help but think about how many people have or will be taken by people impersonating these mass men because you guys are not doing enough. Here’s the job that you were elected to do. I should not have to remind my husband to take his driver’s license with him when he goes to check the mail or take out the trash. Do something.
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I will continue to update this story throughout the day tomorrow- it is 3:45 AM – my heart is broken for our City and Community. So many of us are with you all and we know we need to do more. Please stand together- stand up! Keep fighting #Hillsboro. The kids deserve to see our very best.
Thank-you, I especially wanted to hear from the Police chief. I left at 9 pm. I do applaud the council and Mayor for listening to everyone–I don’t think they have ever done that before for so long. Notice that was on Nextdoor of his and Mayor Pace’s message to Hillsboro–these very questions were asked (myself included) and not responded to. Good to know about Councilor Salgado’s Plan. I would recommend everyone send in emails to the city (see link off city website–you can choose the mayor and council) demanding this be proceeded with. Definitely NOT die. I too want to see Hillsboro Police come when they are called and document–and disagree things haven’t already gone too far. Their presence would help ensure that–and again most importantly Document. I understand these are extremely difficult times. But this can be done–other cities are doing it–we need to follow.
Your title is accurate–I don’t cry easily but I was teary many times. A big take away I got: for those of us white and privileged and not targeted–best thing we can do to help (and this community is asking for) is to eat at, shop at their businesses. Their business is way down (I think I saw 40%) because many in the community are afraid to go out.
Follow the link at the top of the story and go to about the 4 hour mark- the chief speaks and takes questions for about 45 minutes.
thank-you. Rereading to write to the Mayor and City Council now on my points above. As I reread Very Impressed with Councilor Salgado who I believe is newly elected. The ONLY one that came with a plan. We much demand this not die. Impressed Councilor Alcaire is speaking up also. She has been for awhile now–concerned for the safety of this community coming out to events–I agree and applaud her also. And Councilor Sinclair is as usual on the Right Side!!
Yes, indeed.
“The Hillsboro Chamber delivered a presentation claiming that “fear” was the biggest problem and that residents really needed to return to shopping and dining out to support vulnerable businesses.” I do not blame anyone who asks what the Hillsboro Chamber stands for and who it represents. Because it doesn’t seem to stand for business owners like Lucia, who are seeing the fallout of all of this firsthand each day and realize it’s an issue that goes well beyond keeping the food orders flowing.
It doesn’t seem to represent Calle Diez or long stretches of TVH and Cornell… which are rightfully afraid as unmarked vehicles take people off the streets, box them in at Dutch Brothers, and prowl around Poynter Middle. If the Hillsboro Chamber represents commerce at all costs, then the Hillsboro Chamber is, itself, part of the problem.
And don’t think “we can’t do anything” didn’t resonate long and loud as I considered that “public safety” measure on the ballot this month. Safety in Washington County for which public? Lisa Unger, with a surname that matters in this town, said it best: “Will we see abductions in front of our eyes with no warrant? I teach that law protects us; this doesn’t feel like protection.”
The HPD says its mission is “to deliver exceptional police service to the community through our shared values of Dignity, Respect, Service, and Just Outcomes.” Is ICE detaining Victor Cruz—who is here legally and has no criminal record—for having the same name as someone else with multiple DUIs a “Just Outcome?” Is standing by as agents without identification or warrants pluck people from the streets “service?” Did that meeting leave your department with the impression that a large swath of your city’s population is being treated with either “Dignity” or “Respect?”
The Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce—which continues to operate with enough temerity to consider itself the “Washington County Chamber of Commerce”—has regularly insinuated that it favors its “diamond level” and “platinum level” community logos like Nike, Kaiser, Genentech, Intel, NW Natural, PGE, Amazon, and the Hops a lot more than much of the city whose name it just shed. That meeting just proved it would rather build 10 new Chipotles on Brookwood and 185th than extend any meaningful help south of Evergreen.
And as for the city and HPD, codifying protections and using community input to come up with protocols that actually help its people without overstepping federal law would go much further than a multimedia campaign in reassuring the public that patrol helicopters at its airports, unmarked vehicles in its streets, and abductions outside its businesses and institutions aren’t accepted norms.
This White Privileged lady agrees! I’m writing asking for my points in my above comment to the Mayor and Council now. I will add my story that I have lived here 35 years–near Calle Diez and my son went to these schools, where he was a minority. It was an excellent experience–still at age 26 his best friends. I respect and admire this hard working population. I can assure those (doesn’t sound like you Jason :-) that are buying into the racist stereotyping that this community is nothing to fear. At age 63 I am not afraid to go into any neighborhood in Hillsboro, but I do fear these ICE actions. I am agreeing with Councilor Salgado’s proposal!! Few Quotes I have seen on chats recently that relate: 1. If you’re not careful current administration will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing. 2. The People that make a Dollar, have convinced the People that make a Nickel, that the People that make a penny are the problem. Sad, Sad times indeed.
As a professional lawyer, it is clear that the situation described in the article is a complex and challenging one. The fear and frustration experienced by the residents of Hillsboro due to ICE arrests and abductions are tangible and deeply concerning. The proposal presented by Councilor Cristian Salgado to create a City Civil & Human Rights Department seems like a practical and necessary step to document interactions and ensure compliance with legal and constitutional requirements during ICE operations. My question for further exploration would be: How can the City of Hillsboro navigate the legal complexities and potential federal pushback to establish such a department and ensure the protection of its residents in the face of escalating immigration enforcement actions?