Teen’s Urgent Plea Highlights Fear Amid ICE Raids in Oregon

UPDATE: A powerful plea from a 16-year-old boy in Hillsboro, Oregon, has captured national attention, highlighting the deep fears faced by families amid the Trump administration’s escalating ICE raids. During a city council meeting on October 24, 2023, Manny shared his terror of federal agents detaining his parents, saying, “I might not be able to say goodbye to them if they go to work.”

Residents packed the Hillsboro City Council meeting for over three hours, voicing their concerns about the impact of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in their community. The Portland Immigration Rights Coalition revealed that at least 135 individuals have been arrested in Washington County since the federal crackdown began. This week, the county declared a state of emergency, allocating $200,000 to support community organizations aiding those affected by the surge in arrests.

Manny’s emotional testimony resonated widely, as he described the anxiety of living in fear of separation from his family. “I’m scared that I’m never going to be able to see all my friends again,” he said, emphasizing the toll this situation takes on young lives. His statement quickly went viral, sparking discussions about the urgent need for local government action.

Other community members echoed Manny’s fears, including Juan Pedro Moreno Olmeda, a soccer coach at Hillsboro High School, who shared the devastating impact of ICE arrests on students. “We recently had one of our teammates lose a father and two uncles,” he said, highlighting the emotional and financial burdens placed on children who may have to step into adult responsibilities prematurely.

Residents like Sandra Nuñez-Smith recalled personal tragedies, including her brother’s wrongful arrest in front of his stepson due to a paperwork error. “He was pushed out of the way by an ICE agent,” she recounted, urging city officials to take action against such practices.

Although Hillsboro is a sanctuary city, Mayor Beach Pace and Police Chief Jim Coleman have stated that local authorities cannot intervene in ICE operations. This has left many residents feeling abandoned and unsafe. “It is a significant failure of law enforcement to ignore calls about terrifying, dangerous, armed takeovers,” said former sheriff’s deputy Red Wortham, demanding police accountability in these situations.

Manny and other residents are pushing for the City Council to adopt ordinances that would protect residents from ICE actions and require transparency from unidentified federal agents. They seek to ensure that local businesses are informed about prohibiting ICE presence on their premises, aiming to create a safer environment for families.

As the situation continues to unfold, Hillsboro residents are urging immediate action from their city leaders to address the escalating fears and uncertainties they face daily. The council’s response to this urgent plea could shape the community’s future and provide a critical lifeline for families living in fear of deportation.

This developing story remains crucial as more families express their fears and seek support in this challenging climate. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engage with local representatives to advocate for protective measures against federal immigration enforcement.