Oregon Religious Community commits to Sanctuary Movement

PORTLAND, Ore. — Sixteen interfaith communities have come together to tell law enforcement and ICE to follow Oregon’s Laws.

The religious leaders came together to join the Sanctuary Movement and tell President Donald Trump his immigration orders will not stand in Oregon.

Friday, nearly 100 people packed Augustana Lutheran Church in Northeast Portland to talk about the Sanctuary Movement.

“We are in a time of great fear with the deportation orders that are coming out of the white house," said Rev. Mark Knutson. " And so, sanctuary provides safe places for people to be, to regroup and for us as a faith community to say no.”

Since President Trump took office the Sanctuary Movement has grown from 400 to 800 congregations nationwide. Sixteen congregations in nine cities have offered sanctuary for 21 immigration cases.

“The implementation of the deportation orders is just tragic and immoral so it’s an act of standing up as faith communities,” the Reverend added.

So far, the religious leaders said they know of two cases in Oregon where someone was picked up by ICE or law enforcement.

“There is a list that ICE has been looking for. They have been at the court houses in Multnomah County. They have been knocking on people’s doors, looking for specific people," said Andrea Williams with Causa. "But in looking for specific people, if you answer the door and you are undocumented, they will take you in and question you.”

The faith leaders have a clear message to Multnomah County officials and ICE with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King:.

“We will fight for this. We will die for this. We will march for this. We choose the true America.”

People who attended Friday's Sanctuary Movement meeting told KATU News they will provide a radical resistance to anyone who tries to stop the Sanctuary Movement in Oregon.