‘I'm not comfortable': ICE arrests causing fear for Cornelius residents
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Fear exists for many around the state after at least five local asylum seekers by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Portland Immigration Courthouse.
In Washington County, leaders address the effects on their community outside the Centro Cultural Community Center in Cornelius.
'ICE has no place in our neighborhoods,' said Cornelius City Councilor Angeles Godinez.
More than half of the city of Cornelius's population is Hispanic or Latino according to the city's
The city says the fear of ICE raids has a ripple effect in the community.
'As public officials, we are legally and morally obligated to protect the rights of all residents, regardless of their immigration status,' Godinez said.
Local leaders say people in their community tell them they're afraid to attend public events, go to work or even call 911 during emergencies.
'When people are afraid of their own government, they stop calling the police. They stop going to the doctor. They disappear from public life,' said Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai.
Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez says his family knows all too well the stress ICE can cause.
'When my dad immigrated to the United States, he came here without papers,' Gonzalez said.
He said a few years ago his father became a US citizen. But they fear for the rest of the community.
'For many folks that have an experience like me, we know that our existence and our families, their right to belong, is being questioned and that's something I'm not comfortable with,' Gonzalez said.
City, county and community leaders said they are working with the local police to ensure the community's safety.
'The police have been briefed. And also we have many committees and including some people here at Centro that have been working with police and on various different commissions,' Godinez said.
Oregon is classified as a sanctuary state, meaning its law enforcement will not work with ICE. That's something President Donald Trump has openly criticized, claiming their policies of not enforcing immigration law put the safety of American citizens in jeopardy.
'And let me be clear, city officials in Cornelius will not be agents of ICE. We are not here to divide families. We are here to serve them,' Gonzalez said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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