Teen’s Urgent Plea Exposes Fear Amid Trump’s ICE Raids

UPDATE: A powerful testimony from a 16-year-old resident of Hillsboro, Oregon, has captured national attention, revealing the profound fear young people face amid the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies. At a city council meeting on Tuesday, Manny expressed deep anxiety about the possibility of his parents being detained by masked federal agents while they work, stating, “I might not be able to say goodbye to them if they go to work.”

This urgent plea reflects the stark reality for families in Hillsboro, where over 135 individuals have reportedly been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since federal agents were deployed to the Portland area. The city’s escalating fears regarding immigration enforcement led to the county declaring a state of emergency this week, unlocking $200,000 in funds to support community organizations aiding affected residents.

Manny’s emotional appeal resonated deeply with attendees, as he continued, “I’m scared that I’m never going to be able to see all my friends again… because they fought so hard to come here for their kids.” His heartfelt statement quickly gained traction on social media, prompting widespread discussion about the human impact of these federal actions.

At the meeting, community members shared their own harrowing experiences. Juan Pedro Moreno Olmeda, a soccer coach at Hillsboro High School, described the devastating effects of ICE arrests on local youth. “We recently had one of our teammates lose a father and two uncles, and another lose their older brother; they were taken by ICE,” he stated, revealing the emotional toll on children who face the fear of losing family members.

Residents like Sandra Nuñez-Smith recounted traumatic incidents, including her brother’s wrongful arrest by ICE in front of his stepson due to a paperwork error. “He was not given his rights or due process,” she told council members, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable community members.

While Hillsboro is designated a sanctuary city, officials acknowledge their limitations in intervening during ICE operations. Mayor Beach Pace and Police Chief Jim Coleman reiterated that local authorities cannot assist in preventing federal arrests. This has left residents feeling increasingly vulnerable.

Manny and other community advocates urged the city council to adopt ordinances that would provide greater protections for residents, including accountability measures for ICE agents and guidance for local businesses on barring ICE from their premises. Former sheriff’s deputy Red Wortham emphasized that local police can play a crucial role in documenting incidents and responding to emergencies related to ICE activities.

The testimonies presented at the council meeting underscore a growing urgency for legislative action to protect immigrant families in Hillsboro. This situation remains dynamic, with community leaders calling for immediate intervention as fears continue to escalate.

As the impact of Trump’s immigration policies unfolds, the voices of young people like Manny highlight the human cost of these federal actions, reminding us all of the urgent need for empathy and protective measures in our communities.

Residents and advocates will continue to monitor developments closely, as the city council is expected to address these pressing issues in upcoming meetings. This situation is evolving rapidly, and the community’s call for action is louder than ever.