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Dear Portlanders,
By now, you have probably heard the disturbing news: Trump is again threatening to deploy federal troops to our streets here in Portland. These threats are dangerous, unconstitutional, and a direct attack on our beautiful community. While details and next steps are still unfolding, what we DO know is this: our community is resilient, and we will not be intimidated.
It is normal to feel scared and angry about this. I’m a city councilor, but I’m also a mom and a teacher and a neighbor who wants to spend her Saturdays going to joyful community gatherings and watching my kids’ soccer games. I know Trump’s actions have us asking questions like what does this mean for our safety and our children’s safety, for our immigrant and refugee neighbors, for the future of our city?
It’s okay to be worried, but I am asking you to remember: Portland’s strength is our PEOPLE. Our diversity, our commitment to justice, and our care for one another are not only values to be proud of—they’re shields against attempts to divide and destabilize us. Even after some hard pandemic years, the way we already live together in Portland is what makes us ready to face threats and intimidation from a deeply unpopular authoritarian president. We got this.
Portland will be around a lot longer than Donald Trump. But we do need to take steps to face the present moment. A surge of federal troops doesn’t just threaten our immigrant and refugee neighbors; it endangers all of us and undermines our constitutional right to free speech, protest, and community expression.
Here are five things you can do right away:
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Attend this peaceful gathering TODAY at Battleship Oregon Memorial (Waterfront Park), Sunday 9/28 at 3 PM. We will be exercising our right to peacefully protest, joyfully gather, and clearly say: No federal forces in Portland. There will be music, speeches, and a short march. Kiddos and family are welcome!
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What to say: View this message guide from Protect Oregon with suggested talking points for organizations, elected officials, and community members.
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What to post: Download and share these images on social media to show solidarity.
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What to do: Sign on to this letter from Protect Oregon affirming that we do NOT want a military takeover of Oregon.
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Forward this email to your friends and neighbors who are bringing this news up.
Protect each other through community care
Remember who we are. That means reaffirming our commitment to our neighbors in Portland and I mean EVERYONE. During moments like this, fascists rely on people turning on one another. They will work hard to convince you that they “had” to come to Portland because of the actions of some Portlanders. Don’t fall for it! We are a city with work to do, but we take care of us. Nothing that Donald Trump offers – the illusion of law and order based on fear, or punishment for imaginary bad guys – is anything that our city needs.
NOW is the time for all of us to resist by doubling down on caring for each other in our community. This moment calls for us to be vigilant – but also for us to lean into what makes Portland strong: care, compassion, and courage. We can resist bullying tactics by showing up for each other, by rejecting Trump’s threats of violence and chaos, and by continuing to work for a city where every person belongs.
[Portland Immigrant Rights Coaltion (PIRC) graphics and hotline numbers]
Here are some examples I brainstormed of how we can practice *COMMUNITY CARE* for each other – what others do you have? Email them to us at councilor.koyamalane@portlandoregon.gov.
**Check in on your neighbors** – a text, call, or knock to make sure they’re safe and know they’re not alone. Exchange contact info, bring neighbors over regularly to make plans together.
**Offer rides or accompany vulnerable community members** — to protests, appointments, or even just a late-night walk home. @pirc_pdx trains and organizes volunteers to accompany our neighbors who have to go to their mandated immigration check ins.
**Provide childcare swaps** – so caregivers can rest, work, or participate in civic action.
**Cook and share meals** – drop off food for someone who’s tired, grieving, or busy organizing.
**Hold space for listening** – sometimes the best care is slowing down and letting someone be heard who is holding a lot right now.
**Support mutual aid** – local groups often know exactly where support is most needed.
**Stay together / Stay tight** – exercise your right to free speech with your friends and neighbors by attending a protest led and informed by those who are closest to the most vulnerable community members.
Community care is about reminding each other that **WE KEEP US SAFE** – not intimidation, not troops.
Important resources and guidance
Civil Rights Unit (CRU) Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit: Community Toolkit - Oregon Department of Justice
Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition: Resources | Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition
Oregon for All: Vital resources for Oregon's mmigrant and refugee communities to protect and defend your families.
Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice: Partner with IMIrJ to Support Immigrant Justice and Sanctuary Efforts
These are also groups I follow on social media– I highlight trusted groups on my Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Know your rights (and make sure others in your different circles know theirs!)
If you or your loved ones encounter federal immigration officers, please remember your rights. Share these “Know Your Rights” documents from the National Day Laborer Organizer Network: (NDLON). You will see your rights explained such as:
- Right to remain silent / refuse to answer immigration status questions
- Right to an attorney / legal representation
- Right to deny consent to searches
- Right to know if you are being detained / free to leave
General caveat / disclaimer from NDLON: Their handouts are not legal advice. You should consult an immigration attorney for legal guidance. They also warn that ICE may lie about who they are, so it’s important to be cautious about opening doors or being misled.
Knowledge is power – and together we can keep each other safe.
I’ll continue to share updates as we learn more. In the meantime, check in on your friends & neighbors, hold your families close, and remember: Portland has faced down these threats before, and we will do it again – together.
With love and resolve,
Teacher Tiffany
she/her
councilor.koyamalane@portlandoregon.gov
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