Portland is a sanctuary city, which means the City of Portland and PPB do not assist with federal immigration enforcement. PPB does not enforce immigration law, does not ask about immigration status, and does not cooperate with ICE except where legally required.

At the same time, there are legal limits on what local law enforcement can do when it comes to federal agencies. Under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, federal law generally takes precedence over state and local law. This means PPB cannot interfere with or obstruct federal enforcement actions, even when those actions cause fear or harm in our communities.

We know that hearing only what PPB cannot do is frustrating – and insufficient. PCCEP has heard a strong desire to shift the conversation toward what PPB can do. This is a time for local institutions to figure out creative and proactive ways to keep our community safe, and we want to hear your ideas about what that could look like.

We are specifically inviting ideas that explore how PPB could:

• Clearly distinguish itself from ICE during public-facing interactions (for example, through uniforms, identification, or communication practices)
• Help community members understand their rights during encounters with law enforcement or federal agents
• Offer trainings, resources, or partnerships that empower communities to stay safe and informed
• Improve communication during times of heightened federal enforcement activity
• Support community-based safety efforts without participating in immigration enforcement
• …And any other ideas you may have.

PCCEP is a group of 13 community members who are independent from the City and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB).  PCCEP was created as one of the remedies under the US DOJ Settlement Agreement to leverage the ideas, talent, experience, and expertise of the community to help achieve the goals of constitutional policing.

PCCEP will review all responses and use them to: