BEND, Ore. – At a city council meeting on Wednesday evening, Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, alongside all six city councilors, strongly reaffirmed the city’s commitment to being a Welcoming City. The council took a firm stance in support of immigrant residents, many of whom, according to Kebler, are “living in fear” due to recent federal policies under the Trump administration. In her remarks, Kebler condemned the administration’s cuts to federal funding for essential services and its threats to withhold support for key city projects.
“Listen, all of us up here have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution,” Mayor Kebler said, addressing the council and the public. “And make no mistake, there is and will continue to be serious legal pushback against orders, even those coming from the president, that are illegal and unconstitutional.”
Kebler’s comments came in the wake of growing concern about immigration enforcement actions and rising tension in the community. The mayor’s remarks were met with broad support from her fellow council members, each voicing their commitment to ensuring that Bend remains a safe and welcoming place for immigrants.
Councilor Megan Norris spoke passionately about the current climate of fear, emphasizing that some community members are increasingly reporting their neighbors out of fear of immigration authorities. She recalled a conversation with Catalina Sánchez Frank, the new executive director of the Latino Community Association, where they discussed the importance of knowing one’s rights and developing contingency plans for immigrant families.
“I’m very concerned about the fear and chaos being spread in our community,” Norris said. “It’s important we all come together to make sure our voices are heard.”
In addition to their defense of immigrant communities, councilors took issue with recent decisions at the county level. Councilor Megan Perkins addressed the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners’ controversial 2-1 vote earlier that day to disband the county’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Committee. Perkins strongly condemned the decision, reiterating the city’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“The president doesn’t get to decide or stop what we do,” Perkins said. “None of the work of the city’s Equity department or the Human Rights and Equity Commission divides us. It brings us together, and we will continue that work.”
The council members each took a moment to share their personal perspectives, further underscoring their collective support for the immigrant community. Councilor Mike Riley, who identified as an immigrant, spoke emotionally about how the recent actions felt deeply personal. He also voiced his support for the transgender community, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity.
“I too am an immigrant, so the attacks feel very personal to me,” Riley said.
Councilor Steve Platt, a veteran, framed the issue in terms of the oath taken by military servicemembers to support and defend the Constitution, a promise he said should not end when one leaves active duty.
“The oath doesn’t end when we’re no longer serving in active duty,” Platt said. “It remains with us.”
The council’s unified position is a clear message to the immigrant community in Bend that they will not face discrimination or fear in their daily lives. The commitment to upholding the Constitution, protecting legal rights, and ensuring the safety and dignity of all residents stands as a defining principle for the council.
As tensions continue to rise at the federal level, the Bend City Council’s resolute stance is seen as a signal of local leadership pushing back against policies they view as harmful to vulnerable residents. With support from both elected officials and the community, Bend is sending a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity, legal rights, and unity during a challenging time for many.
