Federal Immigration Agents Allegedly Violate Oregon Sanctuary Law at Port of Astoria
Local immigrant advocacy groups have raised concerns that federal immigration agents conducted operations on Port of Astoria property on Sunday morning, resulting in the detention of three individuals. This action may constitute a breach of Oregon’s sanctuary law, which prohibits local and state police and agencies from engaging in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.
Port Officials Unaware of ICE Activity
Officials at the Port of Astoria stated they were unaware that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been operating in the area or that federal agents had parked their vehicles within the fenced grounds at Pier 1, directly opposite the port’s administrative offices.
Legal Implications Under Review
Astoria Port Commission Chairman Dirk Roone acknowledged the complex legal implications surrounding ICE’s use of the property, suggesting that officials might have sought a loophole. Notably, U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates an office at Pier 1, which serves as a checkpoint for international travelers and cargo entering the United States via the Columbia River.
Federal Control During Navy Deployments
In addition, when U.S. Navy ships are docked, the fenced area at Pier 1 is considered to be under federal jurisdiction. The Military Sealift Command vehicle carrier, USNS Watkins, was anchored at the pier on Sunday and is scheduled to depart on Monday. Roone speculated that ICE agents may have coordinated with Customs and Border Protection before entering the fenced area, though it remains unclear who authorized the operation or suggested the location.
Concerns About Port Security and Oversight
Roone emphasized the need for clarity regarding who approved the ICE operation within the port. He instructed Port Director Will Isom to begin interviews with staff to uncover the details surrounding the incident, expressing disappointment if port officials had acquiesced to ICE on their property.
Community Response and Advocacy
On Sunday, several local residents attempted to document the detentions but were denied entry to the fenced area by individuals they believed to be port security officers, who warned them that federal agents would arrest anyone entering the premises. The observers ultimately maintained a safe distance while monitoring the situation. The identities of the detained individuals and their immigration statuses were not disclosed, and it remains uncertain whether ICE possessed a judicial warrant for their arrests.
Formal Complaint Planned by Advocacy Groups
Consejo Hispano, a nonprofit organization serving the Latino community on the North Coast, condemned the port’s alleged involvement, characterizing it as a breach of the trust placed in local authorities. Executive Director Jenny Poole Radway indicated plans to file a formal complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice and called for transparency regarding the nature of the collaboration between ICE and the Port of Astoria. In a statement, she emphasized that public authorities must adhere to the law, allowing community members to live without fear.
