Update on Yesterday's Shooting in East Portland Involving Federal Agents

Portland, 

On the afternoon of Thursday, January 9th, I learned from City officials that two of our neighbors were shot by federal immigration enforcement agents in the Hazelwood neighborhood. Just the day before, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.  We’re still waiting on more details about the shooting in East Portland and the status of the two victims, but we do know that this is part of a growing pattern of violence we are seeing in Portland and around the country. As I said in a joint statement with D1 Councilors Dunphy and Smith, ICE in our communities does not make us safe. 

I’m angry that this is happening to our neighbors. I’m frustrated because this was a predictable outcome after the Trump administration sent their militarized immigration enforcement officers into our city. I’m worried about the wellbeing of the two victims and their loved ones. 

Let’s be clear: shooting first and asking questions later is not law enforcement and it’s definitely not justice. The Trump administration is already spinning this situation and villainizing the victims like they did with the death of Renee Nicole Good, and just like they did when they tried to send in the National Guard. We cannot take this federal government at their word. 

I’m thankful that Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and his office are leading an investigation into the East Portland shooting to ensure federal officers are held accountable for any unlawful use of force. And I agree with the Mayor that ICE and all federal agents must stop immigration enforcement in Portland. We demand full accountability and transparency into this incident that sent two of our neighbors to the hospital. 

Candace Call to Action: Join me at a vigil for victims and survivors of ICE and Border Patrol violence this Saturday, January 10, 4pm – 6pm, at Terry Schrunk Plaza (431 SW Madison St, Portland, OR 97204). All are welcome and candles will be provided. 

There will be more to share in the coming days, but I know many of you are wondering what you can do to help immigrant communities right now. This Saturday, January 10, at 4pm I hope you will join me at Terry Schrunk Plaza for a vigil with the Portland Immigration Rights Coalition and other community partners. These are the Portlanders who are on the ground every day advocating for immigrants and protecting their rights to due process.  

Last year, when Council unanimously passed the Protect Portland Initiative resolution and the Sanctuary City ordinance, it was with the expectation that was only the first step in securing the safety and rights of Portlanders. At the vigil, we will grieve the victims of Trump’s mass deportation agenda, we will express our outrage at these injustices, and then we will get back to work. 

As the representative of Portland’s largest and most diverse immigrant communities, and as the daughter of immigrants, this is personal for me. I will do everything in my power to prevent ICE or any other federal agent from hurting another one of our East Portland neighbors.