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Hey Portland,
I want to clear up any confusion or questions about the recent ruling in the 9th Circuit. Today, on October 20th, 2025, a panel of judges ruled 2-1 to put a stay on the temporary restraining order (TRO) that blocked federalization of the Oregon National Guard. This shortsighted decision by two Trump-appointed judges doesn’t mean the National Guard will be deployed immediately. The Trump administration still needs to request that the other TRO blocking deployment of any National Guard to Portland be vacated. We will know more about if or when the National Guard are going to be deployed in the next 24 to 72 hours.
Your Portland City Council is united in opposing federal overreach and remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting Portlanders by every means available. From policy to advocacy, we will continue to stand up for democracy, Portlanders' rights, and our city's values. We urge everyone to continue raising their voices peacefully and in the spirit of Portland. You can read our full response to the 9th Circuit decision here.
Because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter where you come from or what you look like, if you have two feet in this country, you have rights. And I’m going to work with my colleagues to do everything in our power to protect them.
Remember, when interacting with law enforcement, federal agents, or National Guard troops:
- You ALWAYS have the right to remain silent.
- You ALWAYS can ask if you are free to leave if stopped by law enforcement.
- You ALWAYS can say no to a search, but do not obstruct access.
- You DO NOT need to share your birthplace or citizenship status.
- You DO NOT need to let officers or agents into your house unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
You also have a right to film them as long as you don’t interfere. Gathering video evidence can document human rights abuses and help lawyers advocate for their clients. Law enforcement CAN’T take away or view your photos or video without a warrant, and they CAN’T delete your data under any circumstances.
Here’s what to film, especially if you witness an immigration arrest in public:
- Badges & uniforms (or lack of ID)
- Vehicle plates & equipment
- Street signs & landmarks
- Time, date, number of agents (the person recording should state aloud)
- Clear audio of what ICE says or yells
- Film continuously, if you can, from the beginning to the end
- DON'T focus on the person arrested
If they are deployed, it’s unclear if the National Guard would assist immigration enforcement in Portland. Regardless of any potential deployment, our communities are already seeing increased and aggressive ICE activity – including here in East County.
Candace Call to Action: MAKE SURE you have the PIRC number saved in your phone and CALL if you see any suspected ICE activity: 888-622-1510.
Just like with filming video of ICE arrests, it’s important you’re being CLEAR (Count, Location, Equipment, Activity, and Report Time) when making a report.
 PIRC is holding several Migra/ICE watch trainings in the upcoming days, including an in-person training in East Portland that I’m helping host this Saturday, October 25, 10am - 12pm (stay tuned for more details!). The next virtual training is on November 5 (virtual).
Candace Call to Action:
If you or someone you know needs access to immigration legal services, enroll in the Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO): 888-274-7292.
You should call to get enrolled even if you or your loved one is not actively at risk of deportation.
To be eligible for ECO:
- You must live in Oregon.
- Your household income must be below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- You must be at risk of deportation or need help with an immigration legal matter.
Right now, the Trump administration is trying to normalize their efforts to send us down the path of fascism. I am so proud of our home – of Portlanders – for stepping up and meeting this moment through creativity, compassion, and grit.
Last week, City Council unanimously passed our joint Protect Portland Initiative resolution and Councilor Kanal's ordinance to codify our Sanctuary City status into law. Before the council meeting I said at the rally that "the answer to federal threats is municipalism," and I meant it. We are going to meet this moment with law, coordination, and community power, no matter what comes out of this legal case.
In solidarity,
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