Portland Police Affirm Commitment to Muslim Community

"We do not enforce federal immigration law," Portland Police Chief Mike Marshman said Monday. "Over the past few months, I have received many heartfelt thanks from the immigrant and refugee communities describing their positive encounters with Portland Police officers.

"Although these communities have a heightened sense of fear and uncertainty, I am confident we will continue to be an agency they can turn to for safety and security."

Marshman had called the press conference to reassure Portland's Muslim community that nothing is going to change between the police bureau and the community in the wake of two executive orders signed by President Trump last week.

One would punish Americans cities that don't cooperate with immigration authorities looking to deport people. That violates Portland's self-declared status as a Sanctuary City. The second, which led to protests around the country over the weekend, limits the ability of seven predominantly Muslim countries from visiting the United States.

"We must be diligent in our efforts to the community who now more than ever might see us as a source of fear," Marshman told officers. "We must be the ones who reach out first to all whom we serve and be able to answer their questions and provide clarity on what our role is in regard to immigration.

"That means giving assurance that we are not an extension of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We follow and enforce Oregon law."

Marshman said that in the wake of the attack on a mosque on Sunday in Quebec, officers are paying close attention to houses of worship here, saying that officers will provide "another layer of protection for those in our community who may be experiencing fear and anxiety, especially after an attack in Quebec, Canada."

Photo of Chief Marshman via Portland Police