Big crowd expected tonight as TD City Council considers resolution regarding ICE
Maria Pena speaks to The Dalles City Council on Dec. 8, 2025 about federal immigation enforcement and how it is sending a chill over The Dalles.
The Dalles, Ore., Jan. 12, 2026 — Residents describing fear, anxiety and disruptions affecting children and families amid heightened federal immigration enforcement activity are expected to shape discussion tonight as the City of The Dalles City Council considers a resolution acknowledging community impacts and outlining limited support actions.
Click here to stream the meeting.
The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at The Dalles Middle School Commons, 1100 E. 12th St., The Dalles.
This ICE enforcement incident in The Dalles sparked public outcry last month. Residents of the The Dalles said the enforcements have spread anxiety and fear and sent many into hiding. On Saturday, Dec. 6. 2025 an undocumented immigrant and father, Salvador Muratalla, was taken into custody by masked federal agents at the Home Depot on West 6th Street.
The proposed action follows extensive public testimony delivered during the council’s Dec. 8, 2025, meeting, when residents, educators and service providers described communitywide effects tied to recent immigration enforcement activity. Speakers reported increased fear among families, reduced school attendance, reluctance to seek medical care, missed work and emotional distress among children who witnessed enforcement incidents.
Several speakers emphasized that they were not asking the city to interfere with federal operations but urged city leaders to acknowledge the impacts, counter misinformation and help stabilize community trust and access to essential services.
The resolution would formally recognize those concerns while reaffirming the city’s commitment to lawful municipal operations and accessible services. The resolution directs the city manager to improve fact-based communication, coordinate internally and with community partners, and explore defined, deliverable-based support options focused on children and families.
Under the resolution, staff would explore potential partnerships with The Next Door Inc. and One Community Health. Any proposed funding or contractual agreements would require separate City Council approval at a future public meeting.
The resolution does not appropriate funds but directs the city manager to provide a written progress report to council within 30 days of adoption.
The agenda also includes recognitions for The Dalles High School girls soccer team and the Fort Dalles Floozies, a public hearing on amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan, and additional action items.
Public comment will be accepted during the audience participation portion of the meeting.
