Amid rising anxiety about expanding federal immigration enforcement, residents of Clark County—just across the river from Longview and Kelso—urged county officials on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, to issue a forceful condemnation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal authorities.
At the public comment portion of the Clark County Council meeting, Janet Hedgepath pressed officials: “Make your statement strong … so that it protects our immigrant community, our civil liberties and our public safety.” She called for explicit language asserting that “county resources and county property will not be used to support or assist unchecked, lawless, militarized immigration enforcement.” Hedgepath framed the issue as a fundamental test of democratic values. Other attendees echoed her concern, warning against merely performative statements and urging action to safeguard local immigrants.
“Make your statement so that it protects our immigrant community, our civil liberties and our public safety.”
“Make it so that it protects our immigrant community, our civil liberties and our public safety … Do we really believe in our democratic values or do we want to go ahead and allow fascist values?” she asked.
At least one resident countered, arguing that official statements should not interfere with federal operations—and in some cases, local law enforcement could support those operations. The pushback came amid reports that some community members believed local officers were federal agents, complicating public understanding of enforcement duties.
In response, Councilor Matt Little raised concerns that a public statement might backfire, potentially complicating relations with the Sheriff’s Office. He noted that his prior efforts to coordinate a joint resolution with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the local jail had been declined. Still, council members plan to seek input from CCSO and Public Health officials on a draft statement.
Council Chair Sue Marshall emphasized the importance of addressing the community’s fear, indicating that the statement should reflect those concerns. “It is expected to address the fear that has spread throughout the community due to the uptick in immigration enforcement,” she said.
Councilor Will Fuentes argued for clarity and moral leadership: “We have the power to condemn it. We have the power to encourage our local law enforcement agencies to protect our community members.”
Why this matters
While Clark County lacks the authority to direct or stop federal immigration enforcement, local declarations carry symbolic weight—and in real terms, can shape how immigrant residents interact with county services, law enforcement, and public safety systems. Other local jurisdictions—including Vancouver—have already issued declarations opposing such enforcement actions. County statements could either offer reassurance or stoke further alarm, depending on their framing and specificity.
As of this writing, the council has not finalized its statement. Officials have committed to soliciting input from local agencies before moving forward. Given the community’s anxieties—and the political sensitivity surrounding immigration enforcement—any final wording will likely be closely watched in both Clark County and neighboring Washington State.
Related local story: In October 2025, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged it had processed federal arrestees from out of state, noting that while the county has no agreement to hold U.S. Marshals detainees or enforce federal immigration law, such transfers can occur when beds are available. That report also cited state law limiting local enforcement’s role in federal immigration actions.
Update – February 11, 2026
One week after the initial discussion, supporters and opponents of the proposed statement once again filled the Clark County Council hearing room as debate continued on whether to issue a resolution condemning ICE enforcement. The February 11 meeting drew a packed audience, reflecting ongoing community division and growing public interest in the council’s position. Council members did not take final action during this session, but the discussion underscored the intensity of local concern surrounding federal immigration enforcement.
Further updates are expected as the council continues to refine the language and determine whether to issue a formal resolution.
Sources:
KOIN/KOIN.com: “Make your statement strong: Clark County residents push leaders to decry immigration crackdown”
ClarkCountyToday.com: “Clark County Council discusses statement regarding ICE”
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