Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
This week, increased federal immigration activity was reported in our community and across Oregon. It is unacceptable that unidentified agents have targeted and detained people because of the color of their skin or where they work. Racial profiling and harassment will not be tolerated. Our community deserves to live free from the fear of being taken from loved ones or wrongfully arrested.
I stand with our immigrant community and all who have been impacted. I'll continue to fight for policies that protect our communities and keep families united. Regardless of immigration status, we all have constitutional rights. Keep reading for important information and resources.
In this newsletter, you'll find:
- An update on the National Guard in Portland
- Immigration rights information and resources
- Legislative updates and committee hearing details
- A recap of recent community events and site visits
- Upcoming activities and opportunities in Washington County
 
Update on the National Guard in Portland
Over the past several weeks, President Trump has made repeated attempts to deploy National Guard troops into the Portland area against the request of state and local leaders.
Governor Kotek, Attorney General Rayfield, and the Oregon Department of Justice have continued to push back on this federal overreach. The DOJ filed lawsuits challenging the legality of Trump's actions, and thanks to their work, a U.S. District Court judge in Portland has extended restraining orders that block the deployment of troops into Portland. These rulings will remain in place until at least 10/29 while the case moves through the courts.
I share the concern many of you have expressed to me about potential impacts of militarized forces in Portland neighborhoods and communities. We have the right to speak out and gather peacefully without the threat of federal troops on our streets.
It is important that we all remain calm, stay informed, and continue taking care of one another. I will continue to closely monitor this situation as it evolves.
ABOVE: The fall leaves starting to turn colors at Cathedral Park in North Portland this week.
Immigration Resources and Information
Sanctuary State Protections:
Oregon is a sanctuary state. This means it is against Oregon law for state and local law enforcement or public agencies to participate in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Though changes have been made recently at the federal level, they ultimately do not change the foundation of Oregon’s sanctuary promise.
The Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ) provides guidance on the state’s sanctuary promise on their website, including:
In addition to state laws, students in Oregon are also protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as well as various statutes in Oregon state law. FERPA is a federal law governing students’ information, which prohibits schools from releasing education records without prior parental consent, a judicial order, or a proper subpoena. This includes requests for information from immigration authorities such as ICE.
- Review a brief FAQ from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) on immigration enforcement and public schools.
The ACLU of Oregon Rapid Response Plan
The ACLU of Oregon has a Rapid Response Plan for encounters with ICE, which includes instructions for how to interact with law enforcement in different scenarios.
Click on the image below to watch a video (in English) about your rights if ICE agents come to your home. You can also watch or share the video in: Spanish | Urdu | Arabic | Haitian Creole | Russian | Mandarin | French.
More resources to learn about immigration rights include:
-
Red Cards help people assert their rights. There is a template you can use to print and distribute these cards, available in 16 languages.
- The National Immigration Law Center operates an online resource directory, including Know Your Rights guides on various topics: information on warrants and subpoenas, healthcare and insurance access, safety in the workplace, and more.
- The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. has guides specifically for students and parents relating to school, as well as rights in the workplace.
- The NW Immigrant Rights Project issued an advisory guide to nonprofits and social services providers, with procedures for how to respond to immigration enforcement.
- The American League of Teachers has provided a guide for educators on protecting the rights of immigrant students.
- The Innovation Law Lab has compiled a Safeguarding Oregon Schools toolkit on behalf of educators, administrators, and school districts.
Legal Services and Resources:
Visit the websites below to learn about free and low-cost services available for immigration-related legal issues:
Oregon DOJ Immigration Resources Toolkit
The Oregon DOJ and Attorney General Rayfield released an Immigration Services and Support Resources toolkit to share important information and resources in one location. Take a look to learn about ICE, federal immigration enforcement, and your legal rights. This toolkit also includes links to services for immigrant and refugee community members.
Preparing for Legislative Days and Short Session
A couple of weeks ago, we wrapped up September Legislative Days, where committees met to hold informational hearings and hear updates from state agencies. The next legislative days will be held November 17-19. Our office is working on preparing for November Legislative Days and the upcoming Short Session in February 2026. During short sessions, each legislator can only introduce two bills. With just five weeks to move bills through the entire legislative process, only two concepts from each office can be considered. I am looking forward to sharing more about the bills I'll be introducing.
I am also involved in some workgroups during the interim. One of these workgroups relates to Goal 1 of Oregon's land use planning program, the opportunity for citizens to be involved in all phases of the planning process. We are exploring Goal 1 modernization and updates to strengthen public participation. Rep. Tran and Rep. Finger McDonald are leading this effort with me.
This interim, I am also focused on finding solutions to a number of issues related to changes in federal policy, particularly protections for immigrant communities and stabilizing Oregon's revenue sources. I will continue conversations with community partners and legislators about our ongoing response to federal actions.
BELOW: Rep. Tran and I on the House Floor last session.
Joint Public Education Appropriations Committee Informational Meeting
I serve on the Joint Public Education Appropriations Committee, which will meet next week, October 22nd at 9 am. This informational meeting will focus on the Quality Education Model, our system for estimating the funding needed for a high-quality public education system. We have been looking at the QEM for over five years to assess how it can be improved and modernized. The QEM needs to better serve and reflect our priorities in order for our state to provide a high-quality K-12 education to all students. For those interested in watching the hearing, you can view a livestream or a recording on OLIS here.
ODOE Grid Resilience Grant Program Offers $11.5 Million to Support Oregon Electric Utilities
The Oregon Department of Energy has $11.5 million available through its Grid Resilience Grant Program to support projects that strengthen resilience of the electric grid in Oregon communities. This is the second round of grant funding through this program, which is available thanks to the federal 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Electric utilities are eligible to apply for grants to support resilience projects. Strengthening the resilience of the electric grid can prevent and reduce disruptive events, like power outages due to extreme weather.
ODOE received 13 grant applications from electric utilities in the first round of $18.9 million in grant program funding in 2024. So far, six projects have been approved by the U.S. Department of Energy and ODOE and are proceeding.
Right here in House District 29, The City of Forest Grove was awarded nearly $440,000 to underground 3,500 feet of distribution line in a forested area to reduce natural hazard disruptions and fire risk. You can read more about this project and others on ODOE’s website.
The Street Trust Alice Awards
ABOVE: Celebrating the Alice "Safety" Awards with Portland City Councilor Olivia Clark.
Last night, I was honored to be presented with the 2025 Great Streets Champion Award from the Street Trust, an organization committed to advancing transportation safety, accessibility, equity, and climate action. We share a vision for a safe, modernized transportation system that works for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, drivers, and all who use our streets. It was an honor to receive this award alongside many committed partners and community leaders working to improve our multimodal transportation system. Thank you to the Street Trust for hosting this special event.
Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Rail Summit
On Thursday, I attended the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Rail Summit, an event that brings together industry and policy partners from across the Western region to discuss multi-jurisdictional cooperation in developing our transportation infrastructure network. I had the opportunity to moderate a panel on Short Line Railroads’ Investments and Needs in conversation with national business leaders and experts from the Pacific Northwest. We discussed operations pressures and challenges to long-term growth, automation and modernization of rail, and takeaways from some case studies in our region. Thank you to PNWER and the panelists for a valuable discussion on how rail investments can transform regional connectivity and economic development.
Oregon Business and Industry Manufacturing Tour
My Chief of Staff, Grace, joined Oregon Business and Industry for an informative tour at the Garmin manufacturing facility in Salem. The group was able to visit Garmin's product development sites, safety testing facilities, and manufacturing floors. The site employs about 500 Oregonians. This was a great opportunity to learn more about manufacturing operations and the state of the industry, with conversation about workforce development and talent pipelines, employee retention, and tech innovation. Thank you to OBI and Garmin for hosting this conversation and site visit!
Critical Energy Infrastructure Hubs Tour and Discussion
On Monday, Team McLain attended a tour of Northwest Portland's Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub. For those who may not have heard of the CEI Hub, it is a six-mile stretch of industrial development along the west shore of the Willamette River. More than 90% of all liquid fuel in Oregon is stored at facilities in the CEI Hub, including the gas and diesel supply for the Portland metro area and all of the jet fuel for the Portland International Airport. The fuel that is housed and transported through the CEI Hub is distributed across the state, impacting every community in Oregon.
Right now, the CEI hub is located on unstable soils in tanks that are vulnerable to seismic activity. Many were built before we had today's understanding of earthquake risk, particularly our region's vulnerabilities to Cascadia Subduction Zone activity. Because of its location on the Willamette river and proximity to urban communities, the risk of an infrastructure failure or natural disaster is extremely concerning. These events would threaten the health of our communities, our environment, and our economy.
Community leaders in Northwest Portland, including Rep. Chotzen and Rep. Tran, led an educational tour and policy discussion on how state leaders can act to mitigate risk for residents in the Portland Metro area and across the state. We discussed the possibility of diversifying fuel storage locations and working to secure sufficient funding for disaster recovery. I will continue to remain engaged in these discussions to ensure our region is proactive in its efforts to respond to environmental and industrial risks.
 
Family Justice Center Becomes Family Peace Center
The Family Justice Center of Washington County will soon become the Family Peace Center! In January 2026, upon completion of its new facility, the Family Peace Center of Washington County will open its doors to serve over 10,000 survivors and family members each year. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the need for services has risen sharply. Over $10 million in investments from Oregon Lottery Bonds and support from private donations have made this development possible
At the Family Peace Center, more than 20 partner agencies and their services come together under one roof, coordinating to ensure a complete connection of resources and care. The Family Peace Center will provide:
-
Safety & Advocacy: Crisis response, advocacy, case management, shelter
-
Justice: Law enforcement, prosecution, court, and legal aid
-
Healing: Counseling, therapy, support groups, and peers with lived experience
-
Medical Care: Adult and child forensic medical exams and follow-up care
-
Children & Families: Therapeutic preschool, childcare, and parenting support
-
Basic Needs: Food, clothing, housing support, and transportation assistance
-
Navigation: One intake, coordinated services, and support every step of the way
The Family Justice Center has served Washington County well, and this new chapter for the organization will provide critical support for our community.
 
HalloWetlands
A Frightfully Fun Event at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve.
Come in costume (or not) and join an all-new event with fun, exciting programs for all ages!
Get creative with Halloween crafts, meet a variety of creepy and crawly reptiles and amphibians, explore the Wicked Wetlands Trick-or-Treat Trail, and so much more!
With mad scientist shows, games, and prizes for all, this is one Halloween event you don’t want to miss!
$5 per person, ages 3 and under are free
WHEN: 10/18 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
WHERE: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve
OPB Film Screening: Uncovering Boarding Schools
Pacific University and the Indigenous Student Alliance has partnered with OPB to bring the film "Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of resistance and resilience" to campus. Follow the journey of Klamath Tribes member Gabriann "Abby" Hall as she uncovers her family's experiences in Native American boarding schools, from the first generation forced to live on a reservation to the present.
This new film from OPB's "Oregon Experience" joins Abby on a personal journey as she encounters hidden histories, fractured families and a legacy of resilience.
A moderated panel discussion with the producer Kami Horton will follow.
Tickets are free, but registration is required.
WHEN: October 28th at 6 pm
WHERE: Taylor Meade Performing Arts Center
Tu Salud Health Fair
Telemundo Portland invites you to the 2025 Tu Salud Fair, a FREE community event dedicated to caring for your well-being and that of your family.
For four hours, you will have access to free medical exams, health resources, and activities for all ages. Among the services available will be:
- Glucose and blood pressure tests
- Dental services
- Vaccinations (subject to availability)
- Physical activities and Zumba classes
- Music, raffles, and entertainment for the whole family
WHEN: Saturday, October 18th from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hidden Creek Community Center - Hillsboro
My office has compiled a list of resources for our community. You can click on the images below to open a document with the relevant links. If you know of a resource that should be included here, or you need a resource and are having trouble finding the information you need, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov.
EDUCATION RESOURCES
Click here, or on the image to the right for a list of Education-related resources. This includes links to the Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts, the Oregon and US Departments of Education, information on how to pay for college, student lunch programs, and much more!
|
|
 |
WILDFIRE-RELATED RESOURCES
Click here, or on the image to the right for important resources related to wildfire prevention and recovery. This list includes links to current fire restrictions and recreation site status maps, the Oregon Department of Forestry's fire prevention tip page, and important resources for wildfire victims.
|
|
 |
RESOURCES FOR OUR VETERANS
Click here, or on the image to the right for a list of important resources for Veterans, including links and phone numbers to the various divisions of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, local Washington County assistance, supportive and community-based groups like the American Legion, and mental health resources.
|
|
 |
STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Click here, or on the image to the right for links to important local and state government pages, including the Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Cornelius city government pages. You can also access the Oregon Legislature's page, and other important state agency sites, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Unemployment Department, and the Oregon Health Authority.
|
|
 |
BELOW: Photos from my recent visit to Cannon Beach.
Yours truly,
 Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-493, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
| 
