Waverly Lake this winter, a calm image that has absolutely nothing to do with the heated rhetoric about immigration enforcement.
Federal immigration enforcement is not normally a municipal concern, but the Albany City Council now is on record with a statement about it anyway.
On Wednesday, the council unanimously adopted “a resolution responding to current federal immigration actions.” The statement had first been proposed by Councilor Carolyn McLeod on Monday.
On Wednesday several people addressed the council decrying federal actions, including the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minnesota.
The council resolution directs the city manager to “take such actions as will practically demonstrate” the council’s commitment,” which it says “honors diversity and protects individual rights.”
The manager is directed to continue to comply with Oregon law, which bars cooperation with immigration enforcement, and to give staff “clear guidance” to that effect.
In addition, the city is to use its website and other communication channels to provide information, in English and Spanish, about immigrants’ rights and social services available to immigrants and their families.
The city also is supposed to explore, with “community-based organizations,” grants to support people affected by “federal immigration enforcement actions.”
There’s also a requirement for the manager to find and evaluate “additional opportunities, consistent with the city’s legal authority,” to collaborate with various partners to “support community trust, access to information, and public safety for all residents.”
If these directives sound kind of squishy and vague, they appear to be couched that way to avoid the council or the city administration being accused of actively trying to obstruct government efforts to enforce federal immigration law.
Council members had things to say about all this. Check YouTube shortly after the one-hour mark if you want to hear their remarks.
The resolution says that according to a “2023 American Community Survey,” 14.1 percent or nearly 8,000 people in Albany are Hispanic.
What the resolution fails to point out is that people including Hispanics have nothing to fear from immigration officers unless they have committed the federal offense that 8 U.S. Code 1325 calls “improper entry by alien.” (hh)
(NOTICE: coarse language to follow) Have nothing to fear? Seriously? They were given the OK to break windows and doors to enter, even without a judicial warrant. That is against the 4th amendment, but this administration does whatever they want. I suppose the 20-some people killed by ICE in the past year might tend to disagree with the statement “we have nothing to fear.” And those are just the people on the streets that can be accounted for. What about all the unaccountable ones inside the concentration camps. Places that no one is allowed to go in to check on people and the conditions. Many are citizens or aliens awaiting their final court hearing for citizenship.There are hundreds of people missing that cannot be accounted for. Over 800 from the Florida facility alone. Where are they? What about the people sent to that insane place in Venezuela? Not all of the people sent there are vicious criminals. Illegal or not, they are human beings. Such as the poor woman who was repeatedly raped and threatened. She was shown a photo of her daughter, to force her into such acts and told her daughter would be harmed if she didn’t cooperate. At least her attacker will be sentenced for up to 15 years (not long enough but that is the law in that state). Nothing to fear? No. Keep these poorly trained, mentally-misaligned, jackbooted thugs off our streets and out of our communities.
According to the WSJ’s editorial board, that bastion of left-wing ideology, 70%+ of people detained by ICE recently have no criminal record (Jan 26 editorial). So, yes, I think Hispanics and others do very much have something to fear from these immigration officers. Flying your true colors with that last paragraph, Mr. Hering.
With the government-sanctioned murder of two US citizens, Hasso’s comment, “…people including Hispanics have nothing to fear from immigration officers unless they have committed the federal offense…” seems patently untrue and ignores reality. The federal government’s criminal actions will be proven in a court of law at some point in time. Meanwhile, the local governing body steers a wide path around the Feds hoping to avoid being noticed by Bondi, et al. Nothing new here.
Why don’t you get in the face of local police (if you can find one) in the same manner that the anti-ICE goons do and see how you’re treated. Stupid is as stupid does.
Absolutely ridiculous. What a waste of time, resources, and money. Legal immigrants have nothing to worry about. So why don’t they just say they support illegal aliens? Remember this when its time to vote people…
This makes me so sad. We have lived in Albany nearly 40 years and found it to be a wonderful place to raise a family. This statement by the council is unnecessary and divisive. I believe most residents would disagree with it. There is a process for entering our country legally. It must be adhered to for the protection of all. I do not support the council’s action!
So, what about the VA hospital nurse who was killed in Minnesota? I’m sure he was born here in the U.S. Apparently you don’t care if Trump’s thugs kill people.
Actions have consequences.
Armed, aggressive agitator. Enough said.
The people that flooded into this country under the Biden administration open borders policy have nothing to fear from ICE agents. They have the opportunity to have a free airplane ticket back to the country that they came from, along with $3,000.00!
Then they can apply to come back into the USA, following the proper channels . JUST DON’T break our laws.
I asked Google AI this question and got the reply that follows:
Does the government still offer illegal aliens money to go back home voluntarily? If so, how much?
Yes, the U.S. government currently offers financial incentives for undocumented immigrants to leave the country voluntarily through a program called “Project Homecoming.”
As of early 2026, the specific offers include:
Exit Bonus: A standard stipend of $2,600 is provided after the individual’s departure is confirmed.
Travel Assistance: The government provides cost-free travel, including a one-way airline ticket to the individual’s home country or another country where they have legal status.
Minor-Specific Stipend: Unaccompanied minors aged 14 and older have previously been offered a $2,500 stipend for voluntary return.
I thought it was interesting that information has to be provided “in English and Spanish”. Where is the diversity in that? My insurance company provides several languages in thei EOB sent each month.
Shame on the Council and City Staff for this major gaff!!
Hasso, I appreciate you reporting on this topic as it is a critical danger to all Americans. Two suggestions:
1: the individuals killed by federal agents in MN were not protesting—they were legally observing their government officials.
2: those folks clearly did have something to fear from immigration officers. They were American citizens, and they did not, as you say, commit the federal offense of improper entry.
The bias and contradictions in this piece are very clear.
It’s time to adopt an action of recalling every Albany city council person. This behavior is what is causing people to lose their lives due to getting in the faces of federal law enforcement. Although traffic, violent protesting is no way to get your point across. Getting rid of professional agitators and government officials that won’t uphold federal laws by backing the enforcement of the constitution is the only way to restore peace and prosperity to the country. I do not one penny of my tax dollars to go to any program the city council dreams up that goes against federal law or the great folks trying to uphold it. I swore an oath 40 years ago to uphold and defend the Constitution, and that has no expiration date.
Your closing paragraph shows an unwillingness to accept that many people have plenty to fear with never having committed a crime.
“never having committed a crime” narrative is growing tiresome. Crossing over the US border without going through and official point of entry, is a CRIME:
8 U.S.C. § 1325 — Improper entry by an alien
This statute makes it a crime to enter or attempt to enter the U.S. at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers, or to elude examination or inspection by immigration officers, or to enter or attempt to obtain entry by a false claim of U.S. citizenship.
You’ll see it quoted in indictments for first-time illegal entry.
A related (and often harsher) statute is:
8 U.S.C. § 1326 — Reentry of removed aliens
This applies when someone has been previously deported or removed and then knowingly reenters the U.S. without permission. It carries significantly greater penalties than § 1325.
I get it, you think that being here without permission is nothing more than civil matter like a parking ticket. That is patently false.
If someone is here legally, and they are detained, guess what, they got lots of media attention and get to do the news circuit and have 24/7 news coverage.
Gee Hasso. By now you should realize you can’t cure stupidity. The Floyd riots cost between $1-2 billion and killed 15 or so but the liberals cheered that event.
“What the resolution fails to point out is that people including Hispanics have nothing to fear from immigration officers unless they have committed the federal offense that 8 U.S. Code 1325 calls ‘improper entry by alien.’”
Seriously?! Search the web “Have ICE interventions impacted Latino families?” for reports of them – unless you’re discounting them for some reason?
Considering the loose-cannon ICE and its impact, alll Americans have the right to fear ICE.
Notwithstanding the impracticality of implementation of it, and being a lifetime member of DAV & VFW, I very strongly approve of the resolution!
Ray, I agree with you. (Don’t faint upon reading that I agree with you.) I, too, 100% agree with the resolution.
Lightning strikes on occasion… :-)
Tell that to the 2 citizens shot and killed. US citizens
I’m 100% in favor of ICE to use as much force as necessary to rid MY Country, State, City of this illegal scum!!!
Sick way to talk about human beings man
At least I put my full name to what I state. And not hide cowardly behind some initials.
As hartman so cleverly said, “Sue me.” Or, in this case, all of “us” who don’t have to have the notoriety and attention that comes with signing whatever “drivel” we write with our own name.
I who am half Latino from a family who has been here “Legally”for Many years on my fathers side and Swedish from my mothers side also here “legally” have been asks TWICE in the last 5 years to prove my legal status by law enforcement one here recently and one in Arizona. Neither time had I been committing a crime I was driving back from work late at night both times due to being on a traveling medical specialty team and was pulled over, again without even speeding or having a tail light out. Most people would not even know I am half Latino because of how light I am but my last name is a Hispanic last name that’s the ONLY indication I am Hispanic those officers had . So YES Hispanics an people who may indeed look Hispanic DO infact have cause for concern. It is nieve to think otherwise and that is a sad reality especially for a country full of Caucasian people who’s family IMMIGRATED from somewhere else illegally as in hopped on a boat and decided they were gonna live here . There was no Legal system to say they came legally . So sir YOUR country ?please take several seats . This land is your land/ this land is my land ? Do those lyrics ring any bells ?
I don’t want immigrant criminals in our town!Most of them that are arrested have committed heinous crimes against Americans, mostly woman.They do not belong in our community.
Yeah like those criminal toddlers, right?
I hoped that you had better sense, 75% of all people detained by ICE in those places were criminals, the other 25% were with them when caught and were illegal. Our City Council seems to be siding with the criminals……….good luck getting any money from the Federal Government for ANYTHING. You should all resign.
The “you” I speak of here is the Council.
We got that, Rich. We know what you think. Your sources seem to be social media and right-wing-thug conspiracy theories.
Who is the we here FRR.Maybe the folks that show so little credibility in what they say they are afraid to use their own name. That fear on your part speaks volumes itself.
Half the people who comment on this blog prefer to remain anonymous.
Hi Rich: You are exactly right, and why I have mostly stopped participating in blogs and other public commentary in which anonymous trolls are allowed to post their remarks. Many of these folks appear to be mentally ill, and others seem to be trying to provoke a reaction in order to legitimize their existence.
Some anonymous posts appear to be reasonable and contribute to the discussion, but the large majority seem to be trolls, nitwits, and cowardly name-callers. When Hasso started out in newspapers, people were expected to provide their actual names and even street addresses in order to have their opinions and concerns posted. Internet changed that requirement.
I’m not sure how it would affect readership, but my vote would be to eliminate all responses that don’t include the name of an actual person. Comments would have far greater weight and usefulness with such a basic requirement in my experience.
Seriously, Hasso?
“What the resolution fails to point out is that people including Hispanics have nothing to fear from immigration officers unless they have committed the federal offense that 8 U.S. Code 1325 calls “improper entry by alien.”
Don’t you read the newspaper? ICE can harass people for no other reason than having dark skin, detain them if they can’t prove citizenship on the spot, and kick their doors in without a warrant, thanks to the current Supreme Court. They can be beaten with impunity and deported without due process to brutal prisons in countries not in their home of origin even if they are US citizens.
That kind of ignorance is what is meant by “white privilege.” Open your eyes.
Well stated Rick.
Since ICE & its progenitors now create law from whole cloth and believe they have some right to break down the door to your home withOUT a warrant and haul you away boggles my mind. This is NOT the USA I am in any way proud of…
Time to dust off this well known commentary…
“First they came for the
socialists, and I did not
speak out–because I was
not a socialist.
Then they came for the
trade unionists, and I did
not speak out–because I
was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the
Jews, and I did not speak
out–because I was not a
Jew
The they came for me–
and there was no one left
to speak for me.
–Martin Niemoller:
Hasso! Have nothing to fear? Tell that to the family of the Veteran’s Admin. male nurse killed in Minnesota. He was not in the U.S. by improper entry!! I guess I need to research more about what Libertarians, like you, believe.
Well, real “libertarians” certainly wouldn’t support a secret police force of the state executing American citizens, or anyone for that matter. They would likely even support open immigration—allowing people to truly seek freedom and liberty in America. So clearly that’s an identity used to conceal a much worse ideology.
Lovely picture of Waverly Lake, Hasso. Thank you. But, it did not distract people from your apparent “true colors,” as one blog commenter put it.
Thank you Hasso for all of your reporting. I’m in favor of all of our law enforcement officers working together to keep my community safe. I don’t really want illegal alien rapists, killers or sex trafficking drug dealers in my home town. Albany City Council is in way over their skis. Follow and obey the laws. Federal and State and you should have no issues. If you’re here illegally you should go back to where you came from and enter the legal way. If you stay it’s only a matter of time. This topic does not unite a community. Fix our roads and sidewalks. Godbless
A whole lot of you are completely detached from reality including the author of this piece.
Take a look at the headlines:
“Indiscriminate force ‘pervasive’ ”
” ‘Our cities are no longer safe’: GOP mayors condemn Trump immigration enforcement”
Even today’s Fox News Poll, that right wing propaganda network you all consume on the regular, shows 70% of Moderates and 71% of Independents agree that ICE has been “too aggressive”.
Go ahead and be on the wrong side of history!
Thank you as always Hasso for your efforts to keep our community informed. Unfortunately, I find your writing for this piece slanted and biased, as well as harmful to residents of our town who are facing very real fears given the recent escalations in immigration enforcement that flaut the constitution and endanger folks of all immigration status. ESPECIALLY folks of color including Latinos. “Reporting” in a way that contradicts this reality is dangerous and wrong.
Your response to this dismissing the threat to our neighbors as “if you didn’t do wrong, then you don’t have anything to worry about” shows a utter lack of regard to the actions of ICE as they continue to extra-judiciously kill and maim people in the name of immigration enforcement. American citizens, both ones born here and ones who went through the citizenship process, are arrested and detained illegally every day. They are profiled against and targeted to cause fear and division. These “agents” are ill trained and have clear glee in abusing the power given to them by this administration. I support measures by the city to keep our neighbors protected from these trigger happy goons. You won’t realize it, but this ends up protecting you too if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time when ICE is around. If anything, these statements are soft and do the bare minimum to offer any sort of protection.
A country that relies on armed forces with no accountability to suppress its own citizens is no longer fit to be a leader of the free world.
The previous presidents managed to deport more people than Trump without breaking laws or ignoring the Constitution. These men get bounties for rounding people up and bringing them in, whether they are illegal, legal, or even citizens. And they harass all people of color. Not the American way.
Seems to me Council members are being influenced by the loonies with signs in front of the incoming Courthouse road.
Shows how much attention you pay to your community. They are one and the same.
I smell Nazis.
I smell American Nazis.
I see them.
I SEE American NAZIS. In American Streets.
That is all…..
Damn right.
Isn’t suicidal empathy wonderful.
I thought I lived in a community that cared for others? The comments within and following this article would lead me to think otherwise. What surprises me the most is how uncaring many are. No discussion about the methods being used by ICE or maybe advocating for a better solution like an amnesty program for ‘non-violent offenders’. Just, you’re guilty of illegal entry, you’re gone. The hell with the fact you have lived here peacefully for many years, raised a family, contributed to the community, etc. So, do me a favor, the next time you are in front of a Judge for a traffic violation don’t ask or accept a reduced sentence/fine. Just ask for the maximum allowed by law because if you’re guilty you’re gone!
And just for the record, I have no problem deporting ‘convicted’ violent offenders.
The immigration system has always been dysfunctional. Workers come here without any protection from all forms of abuse. Low wages, no laws that protect them and without health care in the past. They are still used for cheap and unprotected labor. They still cannot get workman’s comp, sick days etc. Some get citizenship through marriage or having children due to the difficulties in becoming a citizen in a more positive legal way. When hiring non citizen workers employers are not bound by any labor laws. The employers in the united States have benefitted greatly from their labor at the expense of those Americans who pay taxes. They mainly work farming, food service, hotel services, health care, child care, construction, yard and home maintenance jobs that citizens cannot make enough money to survive on. Once non citizens were allowed to receive assistance they were competing for aid with the low income citizens as well as jobs. The system is the problem, not the people. Oregon is protecting its cheap labor and the use of tax payer’s money to fund it. The city council’s motives are not altruistic. Who is paying for the farmworkers apartments Colonia del Villa Prospero?
Wow, what a firestorm. Hasso’s opinion is just that, his honest opinion. No bodies opinion will change by disparaging them. More wasted council time.
It is amazing the majority of those supporting not cooperating with ICE if they come to Albany to arrest a suspected person in the USA unlawfully that has committed a crime, are ignoring the fact of the organized and paid protestors that are agitating the situation in MN and other states/cities. You are ignoring the fact the protestors have hindered law enforcement from doing the legal job. And you are ignoring the fact that Protesting is not even in the Constitution. It says, the right to Peacefully Assemble. That has been twisted into peaceful protest. So who are the protestors protecting and who is the City of Albany now willing to protect? The drug dealers, pedos, rapists, thieves, murders? Cries of being humane. I often wonder about those on the corners around Albany, Lebanon, Jefferson, selling oranges and other fruit. Often on cold days with nothing but a chair and cell phone. Are they trafficked? Are they having to pay a huge debt to a cartel to bring them here? No, you all want to ignore the other side of the facts. You and the city council seem to be more concerned about them than you are of our fellow legal citizens. Don’t get in the way of preventing Law Enforcement of doing their job and you will not get injured. By the way, ICE has gone into numerous cities where there are not protestors and no one, Not One Person was injured, shot or killed by ICE. Open your eyes.