(PORTLAND) Lawyers and volunteers in Portland are working together in 2025 to stop ICE detainments outside local courthouses. Their efforts have grown urgent as Federal immigration arrests and enforcement actions have sharply increased in the region since early this year. The rise in ICE activity, especially detentions of families and children, has sparked fear and concern among immigrant communities and their supporters.
Immediate Response to ICE Activity
As of August 2025, Portland-area lawyers and volunteer groups are teaming up to monitor courthouse exits, offer quick legal help, and walk with at-risk people after their court hearings. Their goal is to discourage ICE agents from making arrests on courthouse grounds. These partnerships have been highlighted in local news, showing how community members are stepping up to protect their neighbors.
A recent case in July 2025 brought national attention to the issue. The Merlos family, including four U.S. citizen children from Portland, was detained at the U.S.-Canada 🇨🇦 border. The parents were sent to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, while the children were released after two weeks. The parents remain in ICE custody. This case shows how quickly families can be separated and why fast legal help is so important.
Surge in ICE Detainments
Federal immigration arrests in Washington state, including the Portland area, more than doubled in June 2025 compared to earlier months. Over 275 arrests were reported, and less than one-third of those arrested had criminal records. This means ICE is arresting more people who do not have criminal backgrounds. The increase in arrests matches a boost in federal funding and new quotas for ICE operations.
Key Stakeholders and Their Views
Local legal aid groups, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Washington, and grassroots volunteers are leading the courthouse monitoring and rapid response efforts. Caedmon Magboo Cahill, policy advocacy director at ACLU Washington, said,
“People are scared. They’re afraid to go to court, even if they’re victims or witnesses. We need to protect their rights.”
Federal officials defend the current approach. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said ICE is focused on removing “the worst of the worst.” However, the data shows that many people arrested do not have criminal records, raising questions about the fairness of these actions.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) has spoken out against the detention of U.S. citizen children and called for stronger protections. He praised emergency court rulings that have helped some families, but he says more needs to be done to protect due process rights.
Policy Changes and Local Response
Since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, immigration enforcement has increased, including more courthouse arrests and greater ICE authority. In July 2025, Congress gave ICE an extra $170 billion, making it the largest federal law enforcement agency. This funding supports more officers, equipment, and operations.
Oregon and Portland officials say they remain committed to sanctuary policies, which limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. However, they admit that federal law gives ICE the power to act on or near courthouse property, making it hard for local officials to stop these detainments.
How Lawyers and Volunteers Help
Lawyers and volunteers keep watch outside courthouses, looking for ICE agents and warning people who might be at risk. They hand out “Know Your Rights” cards in several languages, explaining what to do if approached by ICE. They also offer immediate legal help and, when possible, walk with people to safe places after their court hearings.
If someone is detained, rapid response teams work with immigration lawyers to file emergency motions, ask judges for help, and try to get temporary stays of removal or release orders. This quick action can make a big difference, especially for families with children.
Different Perspectives on Courthouse Arrests
Immigrant rights advocates and many lawyers say that courthouse arrests make people afraid to go to court. This can stop victims and witnesses from reporting crimes or taking part in legal cases. They argue that everyone deserves a fair chance to defend themselves and that ICE actions at courthouses hurt the justice system.
On the other hand, ICE and Department of Homeland Security officials say courthouse arrests are needed for public safety. They claim these arrests are done according to federal law and help remove dangerous people from the community. Critics, however, question whether the broad scope of arrests is truly necessary.
Historical Background
ICE arrests at courthouses have been a problem since at least 2017, but the practice has grown in 2025 under new federal orders. Past efforts to limit courthouse arrests through state laws or lawsuits have not worked well because federal law takes priority over state rules.
What’s Next for Portland and Beyond
With more federal funding and higher quotas, advocates expect ICE activity around courthouses to keep rising in the coming months. Legal challenges and new laws to limit courthouse arrests are being discussed, but it is unclear if they will succeed at the federal level.
Local organizations are expanding their volunteer programs and training more people to help with courthouse monitoring and legal support. They hope that by working together, they can protect more families and make sure everyone knows their rights.
Practical Steps for At-Risk Individuals
If you or someone you know is at risk of ICE detainment in Portland, here are some steps you can take:
- 📋 Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Legal aid groups like Innovation Law Lab and the ACLU of Oregon can help.
- 📋 Know your rights. Do not share information or sign anything without talking to a lawyer.
- 📋 Ask for help from courthouse volunteers. They can walk with you and provide support.
- 📋 Keep important documents (like proof of U.S. citizenship for children) with you during court visits.
- 📋 Call the Oregon Immigration Resource Hotline at 1-888-622-1510 for immediate help.
Where to Find Official Information
For those seeking more details on ICE detainments, case status, or legal resources, the following links are helpful:
- 🔗 ICE Detainee Locator – Check the status of someone in ICE custody.
- 🔗 Innovation Law Lab – Legal aid and resources in Portland.
- 🔗 ACLU of Oregon – Advocacy and legal support.
- 🔗 U.S. District Court for Oregon – Official court information.
For more on your rights and ICE procedures, visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
Conclusion and Community Impact
The partnership between lawyers and volunteers in Portland shows how local action can make a difference, even when federal enforcement increases. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these efforts help protect vulnerable families, keep communities informed, and push for fairer treatment under the law. While challenges remain, the work of these groups offers hope and practical support for those facing ICE detainments in Portland and beyond.
This Article in a Nutshell
