Photo: KATU
The Hillsboro City Council has voted to designate Hillsboro a sanctuary city. Mayor Steve Callaway cast the deciding vote to approve the symbolic resolution during the March 7 Hillsboro City Council meeting.
The resolution reaffirms the City of Hillsboro's existing practices and reiterates the City's appreciation for the community's diversity. The Council noted that the resolution does not change how the City operates and does not afford undocumented immigrants any additional protection from federal immigration law enforcement.
The resolution approved by the Hillsboro City Council defines a sanctuary city as:
"A city that is committed to providing a safe community for all individuals, regardless of ethnicity or immigration status, and ensures that all members of our community are safe and can call upon public safety assistance whenever necessary, without being questioned about federal immigration laws and without fear of reprisal based solely on legal status, in accordance with Oregon State Law."
State law does not allow law enforcement agencies in Oregon to use money, equipment or personnel to detect or apprehend people whose only violation of law is that they are citizens of a foreign country who are in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws.
The decision follows three months of considerable public discussion and public comment, as well as hundreds of emails and phone calls to City Councilors.
Prior to the vote, Hillsboro Police Department officers did not inquire about immigration status when working with community members. That policy will continue as Hillsboro Police Department officers remain committed to the safety and protection of all Hillsboro residents, regardless of immigration status.