FONT & AUDIO
SHARE THIS
MORE STORIES
Long walk takes a turn around Portland ICE offices
With songs, prayers and some marching through Southwest Portland Thursday morning, more than three dozen people taking part in a seven-day walk to The Dalles called attention to immigration issues and rallied outside federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices on Southwest Macadam Avenue.
About four dozen people who left a camp near the Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution Monday morning, Oct. 1, joined others in a Portland rally and march. They leave Friday morning for Hood River and then The Dalles.
The walk began just east of Sheridan along busy Highway 18 as marchers avoided a couple of semi-fresh roadkill skunks and waved signs at passing vehicles to call attention to immigration detentions and opposed a ballot measure that would repeal Oregon's sanctuary law.
Members of the Rural Organizing Project led the march that will wind its way through Newberg, Forest Grove, Portland, Gresham and eventually end Saturday morning, Oct. 6, outside the NORCOR jail in The Dalles, where immigrants are being held by the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
The march began with a Sunday afternoon rally near the federal prison west of McMinnville. A couple dozen immigrants arrested by ICE are still being held at the prison. People involved in the march camped overnight on farmland and then packed up and began walking the 143-mile route to The Dalles from Farmer John's Produce Stand on Southwest Oldsville Road. Stops with rallies are planned in Hillsboro, Portland and Hood River.
Members of the group will also canvass in some cities to oppose Measure 105 on the November general election ballot. The measure would repeal the state law forbidding local law enforcement from being used to enforce federal immigration laws.
Here are the group's planned stops:
• Friday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m., march from Portland to Hood River. 4:45 p.m., rally in Hood River.
• Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m., gather in The Dalles. 1:30 p.m., rally outside NORCOR jail.
You count on us to stay informed and we depend on you to fund our efforts. Quality local journalism takes time and money. Please support us to protect the future of community journalism.