This message was shared on October 17, 2025

We know there is fear and concern in our community about federal immigration enforcement activities. Many are afraid to go to work, go to school, access crucial resources, or simply live their lives. We cannot prevent federal immigration enforcement, but we want everyone to feel safe and know they have support.

As a sanctuary city, the Hillsboro Police Department does NOT coordinate with ICE or enforce immigration law. HPD is committed to serving and protecting everyone.

Please watch this message from Mayor Beach Pace and Police Chief Jim Coleman.

[Video Transcript]

I’m Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace. 

I’m Hillsboro Police Chief Jim Coleman.

MAYOR PACE We’re seeing an increase in ICE activity in Hillsboro, and we want to talk about it with you. In Hillsboro, we are a sanctuary city. We welcome everyone by including everyone and making our community accessible for all.Our City Council is united around our commitment to fostering a welcoming and thriving environment for all. We want everyone to be safe – always and in every situation. You have rights. And we want you to know your rights.  
Our City website has information from SOAR Immigration Legal Services and other resources.

CHIEF COLEMAN
The First Amendment protects your right to protest through freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Peaceful is the important part.
In our community, we want to show support for each other. 
We respectfully ask that you not endanger yourself or others, or break any local, state, or federal laws, because we care about you. We don’t want you or anyone else harmed.  

MAYOR PACE
So, what can you do? If you believe you are observing an illegal action, record it, but do it responsibly and from a safe distance.
If you believe someone is being detained by ICE, notify an immigrant rights organization. You can call PIRC, the Portland Immigration Rights Coalition, at 1-888-622-1510
If someone is being detained, and it is safe to do so, ask the person to share their name and the phone number of someone they trust that can be contacted immediately.
If you believe someone is impersonating ICE or law enforcement, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

CHIEF COLEMAN
As a sanctuary city, we do not coordinate with ICE, nor do we enforce immigration law. We prioritize engaging with our community to help meet their public safety needs. Please continue to call us if you see public safety concerns in our community.  
And remember, Hillsboro Police officers have very clear standards for their uniforms and can be easily identified. HPD officers can provide identification showing that they are a member of the Hillsboro Police Department.  

MAYOR PACE
Do not hesitate to ask any Hillsboro Police Department officer for their credentials if you have any doubt if they are part of the Hillsboro Police Department team.

CHIEF COLEMAN
While HPD is not involved with ICE activity, please remember that ICE agents are federal immigration law enforcement officers. Community members should not interfere with ICE activity for the safety of everyone involved. 
Federal agents are governed by federal laws and policies and are not generally subject to state and local laws when acting in their official capacity. However, community members are subject to state and local and federal laws if they are in confrontation with federal agents. 

MAYOR PACE
We are sharing this message because we care about you and we want you to be safe. Please take care of yourselves and our community in a safe way.

MAYOR PACE & CHIEF COLEMAN
Thank you.

Updated message shared on October 29, 2025. Community resources and a video message from Mayor Pace and Chief Coleman are shared further below from October 17. 

As a reminder, the City of Hillsboro Police Department does NOT have jurisdiction over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration personnel. HPD officers CANNOT intervene in ICE operations and CANNOT assist you or protect you from federal arrest or legal consequences if you interfere with ICE operations. 

We do not want to create a false sense of security – you CANNOT legally impede federal immigration agents, or their vehicle movement, or break local laws. If you are instructed by federal law enforcement to move back, or other instructions, not following that command may lead to your arrest by federal agents or other repercussions. 

Please read this more detailed message from HPD: 

When You See HPD Officers Near ICE Activity  

You may see Hillsboro Police officers or vehicles in the same area as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration personnel.  

The presence of HPD officers near ICE operations should NOT be interpreted as cooperation or coordination with ICE.  

When HPD officers are near ICE activity, it is typically because:  

• We happen to be in the same general location in our city
• We have been called to the area to address a public safety issue 
• We are responding to a call for service 
• We are monitoring for immediate local safety concerns like traffic hazards or crowd management  

We understand that seeing Hillsboro police in these situations can be concerning, especially for families and individuals directly affected by immigration enforcement.   

What HPD CANNOT Do  

Under Oregon law, local law enforcement agencies, including HPD, cannot use their resources to enforce federal immigration laws. This means:  

• HPD does not assist or participate in ICE enforcement actions 
• We do not intervene in ICE operations, and we cannot protect Hillsboro community members from federal arrest, or legal consequences of those who interfere with federal agents.   

Important SAFETY Reminder  

Please do not interfere with ICE or any law enforcement personnel while they perform their duties. Interference, even when well-intentioned, can create safety risks for everyone involved and may result in your arrest, use of force or other repercussions.  

Hillsboro is a diverse and welcoming community. HPD is committed to serving all who live, work, and visit here with fairness, respect, and compassion.