City leaders, community advocates, members of the faith community, and law enforcement officials came together to reaffirm Portland’s commitment to its sanctuary city status, safeguarding immigrant communities, and protecting the rights of all individuals to peaceful protest and free speech at a press event held today at the Portland Building.
A day ahead of large protests planned not only in Portland but in cities across the country, the speakers urged residents to protest peacefully.
“We are here to reaffirm our fundamental right to peaceful protest, which is the cornerstone of our democracy,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said. “As a proud sanctuary city in a sanctuary state, we are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all who live here, working together to strengthen our community.”
Mayor Wilson is working closely with Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and leaders across the region to build a strong coalition to uphold our values and protect the rights of every Portlander. The Governor was traveling during the event and shared the following statement:
“I support Oregonians’ right to peacefully demonstrate – it is a cornerstone of American democracy,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. “Please know I will do everything in our power to protect the rights and safety of our residents – including the rights and safety of our immigrant communities.” Read the Governor’s full statement here.
Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson underscored the importance of exercising political rights to protect communities that have come under attack by federal policies and directives.
“Our sanctuary is important, and we must protect it,” she said. “Let’s commit to non-violent resistance. Let’s use our voices loudly in peaceful protest that protects the people that we love, the city that we love, the county that we love, and is a true expression of our solidarity with everyone currently under attack,” she said.
Tony DeFalco, executive director of the Latino Network, highlighted how immigrant communities have enriched Portland’s cultural and social fabric and called for more resources to support them. Learn more about the Latino Network.
Portland Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney emphasized the need for Portlanders to stand together.
"We cannot tolerate policies or actions from our federal government that not only jeopardize the safety and trust of our neighbors but that violate the due process we are all guaranteed. This is a long game, and we must continue to stand together as a community. To our immigrant communities: I see your fear, and I share your anger. I stand with you, I elevate your voices, and fight for your safety and dignity — not just in word, but in action," she said.
Council Vice President Tiffany Koyama Lane shared how her Japanese-American grandparents were detained in prison camps during World War II. She referred to the Trump Administration’s strategy of using violent protests as a pretext for repression. “I urge us to resist strategically--without falling into Trump’s authoritarian playbook,” she said.
Addressing the challenges of unlawful actions, District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell, and Portland Police Chief Bob Day outlined a clear strategy: while Portland honors the right to peaceful assembly, any acts of violence or property destruction will be met with a measured, decisive response.
District Attorney Nathan Vasquez urged protestors not to let violence overshadow their message.
"Let’s not kid ourselves. In the past, the voices of tens of thousands of peaceful protestors have been drowned out. Their message was hijacked by a small number of individuals with a message of vandalism, destruction and violence. I want our community’s voice to be heard loud and clear.”
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell: “The issues at the heart of these demonstrations matter. They deserve attention and they deserve dialogue,” she said.
“Take care of one another. Respect the businesses and the spaces that we all share. We must draw a clear line. Violence. The destruction of property, and other criminal acts will not be tolerated. Actions that harm others, threaten safety, or destroy property do not serve this cause. They undermine it.”
Portland Police Chief Bob Day emphasized that recent protests have given him reason to be optimistic about the weekend. "My core philosophy is we’re at these events for prevention and service. Prevention and service is the role of the Portland Police Bureau in our community. We are not at these events to arrest people. We are not at these events to try and agitate. We’re not at these events to inflame. We are at these events for prevention and for service for all of Portlanders."
Religious leaders Pastor W.J. Mark Knutson of Augustana Lutheran Church and Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee of Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church delivered closing remarks, urging community members to embrace resilience and inclusivity while engaging in peaceful civic discourse.
Additional representatives, including members from IRCO, the Portland Police Bureau Advisory Council, and Portland Solutions, lent their support, reinforcing a shared, collective vision for a safer, more inclusive Portland.