U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (ICE), was in Bend over the weekend, according to the Latino Community Association (LCA).
“They were confirmed,” new LCA Director Catalina Frank said, confirming rumors that appeared on social media. “It wasn’t a raid. They were looking for individuals in particular that we think, we believe they had maybe a detention order that was pending or some particular case.”
Frank is only one week into the new job but says the LCA has been preparing for increased immigration enforcement for months. The LCA offers its members workshops so everyone knows what the laws allow and what they don’t when it comes to deportation.
“To prepare themselves as both as the immigrant community on what to do know their rights, but also with neighborhoods and community and employers on how to help us protect the rights of the immigrant community,” Frank said.
RELATED: Local sheriffs, Bend mayor clarify stance on their roles in federal immigration enforcement
In advance of the presidential election, LCA raised $50,000 to ensure those targeted by ICE have a voice in Central Oregon.
“We also have direct connection with Eco Equity Corps of Oregon, and they are our legal connection to be able to provide legal representation to our client,” Frank said. “So if you know of anyone who could benefit from having legal representation for their cases, please direct them to ECO.”
Frank also recommends employers work on their own Immigration response plan for their employees. She even thinks the school districts should have a plan for staff and students.
City of Bend Community Relations Manager Jacob Larsen said ICE has not informed the city of any planned enforcement.
Bend Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins expressed her concern over potential ICE enforcement.
“I would say that while I don’t know the confirmed details of ICE’s actions here as the City of Bend does not get involved in federal immigration, I am very concerned about the fear and division that these raids are causing for our community members, many of whom have lived here for a long time,” Perkins said. “Undocumented workers are parents and children, employers and employees. They pay about $100 billion in taxes a year nationwide. They contribute to our economy and the fabric of our community.”
Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said Bend PD has not heard from community members reaching out, not has it received any calls for service with concerns over ICE in the area. Miller said ICE does not share plans with local law enforcement and Bend PD does not collect immigration information.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday it has not received calls for service regarding ICE.
Last week, Sheriff Kent van der Kamp provided this statement about the office’s stance on immigration enforcement:
“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is committed to upholding Oregon law regarding immigration enforcement and the constitutional rights of all. Oregon law generally prohibits the inquiry or collection of an individual’s immigration or citizenship status, or country of birth, with few specific exceptions as outlined in Oregon Revised Statute 181A.823. Immigration law is federal law and administered by federal agencies.
Consistent with this, the Deschutes Sheriff’s Office does not inquire about citizenship documents, status, or share such information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These provisions are embedded in the DCSO policy manual and are essential to ensuring that our practices respect the rights and dignity of all individuals.
Additionally, the Deschutes County Jail only accepts bookings of inmates for criminal charges and will not accept or house an inmate solely for the violation of federal immigration law.
The mission of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is to enhance public safety, reduce the fear and impact of crime, and improve the quality of life for all residents and visitors.”
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