Additional reporting by Darby Drozdenko and Amanda Schubert.
On Dec. 18, 2024, prior to the inauguration of President Trump, Portland Public Schools (PPS) released an Immigrant Rights FAQ, a document outlining the district’s policies relating to immigration and the rights of immigrants. Since his inauguration, Trump has issued 10 executive orders pertaining to immigration.
The document states that the district will not “Provide information or assistance to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law unless they provide a court order; Provide immigration officials access to school property beyond the front office; Remove a student for immigration law enforcement without a court order; [or] Inquire about, collect or maintain records related to student immigration status.”
The district’s policy reflects Oregon’s sanctuary state status. In 1987, Oregon became the first sanctuary state followed by ten others, primarily located on the East and West coasts. According to the Oregon government website, as a sanctuary state Oregon prohibits “state and local police and government from helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement.”
The Cardinal Times sent out a questionnaire to all students, asking them about their opinions on the executive orders related to immigration. Respondents had the option of remaining anonymous.
One respondent said that they are frustrated with the treatment of immigrants, especially South and Central Americans.
“This is not an issue of preventing criminals or drugs, it is simply racial discrimination,” said the anonymous respondent.
Senior Fraser Barnes, another respondent, said he fears that Trump’s immigration policies will negatively affect the safety of minorities.
“The US is only going to become less diverse and cater more to the privileged majority. I’m also nervous that this will inspire other countries to follow suit and it may eventually be impossible to be safe as a minority,” said Barnes.
Respondents agreed that PPS’ stance on keeping ICE out of schools is beneficial.
“I agree with this response and I think that it is a necessary step to ensure the safety of staff and students,” said one anonymous respondent.
Lincoln principal Peyton Chapman underlined that students are safe at school.
“We are under no obligation, and are directed not to call students down or direct agents to a student or to a counselor,” said Chapman. “Our students are really safe and I hope everyone comes to school.”
Both national and local organizations are working to educate the immigrant community and their allies about their civil rights. At Lincoln, ‘Know your rights’ cards are available in the front office, courtesy of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.