Portland Mayor Protests Immigration Raid

Federal immigration agents (here) raided offices at a Portland food processing plant on Tuesday and arrested more than 100 undocumented immigrant workers.  Although some cities and localities, such as Hazleton, PA and Farmers Branch, TX, have passed anti-immigrant ordinances in recent months, not all city leaders think that way.  Here is how the Mayor of Portland reacted to today’s raid:

*Office of Mayor Tom Potter*

*City of *Portland

*MAYOR POTTER STATEMENT ON ARRESTS TUESDAY (6/12)* *BY IMMIGRATION & CUSTOM ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS *

I am angered by this morning’s arrest by federal officers of approximately 150 Portland residents who were working at a local produce company. I certainly understand why federal officials executed criminal warrants against three individuals who stole and sold Social Security numbers. But to go after local workers who are here to support their families while filling the demands of local businesses for their labor is bad policy. It also serves as a reminder of the failure of our national leaders to deliver an immigration policy that is both fair and humane to families and acknowledges the economic realities of our country. Our nation would be better served if this kind of energy was focused on creating a comprehensive approach to immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship; addresses the immigration backlog that keeps families apart; and provides a safe and legal way for workers to enter our country and be productive workers and taxpayers. Immigrants provide more than mere labor in our community. They have long enriched our history, our culture and our city. My heart goes out to families dealing with the aftermath of this morning. In this morning’s raid, no Portland police officers participated, and our Crisis Response Team was activated to help families affected.

Thanks to Steve Bender, the conscience of Eugene, for keeping me apprised of the goings-on in the Northwest.

KJ