A couple names missed in Oregon
Tina Kotek has been vocal in her opposition to federal immigration enforcement actions in Oregon, particularly regarding ICE operations in Portland. She has criticized the Trump administration's deployment of federal agents, calling such actions "unlawful and unwarranted" and asserting that "Portland and the State of Oregon believe in the rule of law and can manage our own local public safety needs."

Kotek denounced ICE-related shootings in Portland, labeling them as "instigated by the reckless agenda of the Trump administration." She expressed outrage over federal intervention, emphasizing that the state does not need outside help to maintain order. In a press conference following protests, she stated, "We don’t need anybody's help. We're doing just fine," reinforcing her stance against federal overreach.

Her administration has clashed with federal officials, including through text exchanges with President Trump, where she insisted on state autonomy while condemning attacks on federal facilities. Kotek has consistently framed ICE actions as inflammatory and counterproductive to community safety.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has been vocal in condemning ICE and federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly following a January 2026 incident in which Border Patrol agents shot two people in East Portland during a vehicle stop. In response, Wilson issued strong statements calling for accountability and an end to federal operations in the city.

Call to Halt ICE Operations:

Wilson declared, "As mayor, I call on ICE to end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed." He emphasized that Portland is not a 'training ground' for militarized agents, criticizing the Trump administration's use of "full force" rhetoric and its real-world consequences on city streets.

Distrust in Federal Narratives:

Referencing conflicting accounts from federal agencies, Wilson stated, "We know what the federal government says happened here. There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time has long past." He stressed the need for independent investigations, citing the recent ICE killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis as part of a broader pattern of violence.

Broader Criticism of ICE:

In prior statements, including an October 2025 Newsweek opinion piece, Wilson described the Portland ICE facility as "a disaster waiting to happen," citing unsafe conditions, low recruitment standards, and aggressive tactics that erode community trust. He warned that "the number of links in the accident chain grows daily."

https://open.substack.com/pub/genflynn/p/words-matter?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web