News & Commentary

Almost two months ago, in a unprecedented move, the Trump administration transferred 124 immigrants to Oregon’s only federal prison, located outside of Sheridan, Oregon. According to court documents, prison officials were told of the transfer just 24 hours before the immigrants—nearly all asylum seekers—were transferred to the prison. 

Treating unhoused people like criminals punishes are dehumanizes those who are already vulnerable and struggling, and fails to address the many causes of homelessness, like Portland’s affordable housing crisis and lack of accessible mental health services.

Attacks on civil rights and civil liberties are coming fast and strong, but because of support from passionate and generous Oregonians, the ACLU of Oregon is continuing to add aggressive advocates to our team to fight for the rights of everybody in the state.

SHERIDAN, Ore. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon and Innovation Law Lab said today that pro bono legal teams were again denied access to the federal prison in Sheridan where 121 asylum seekers are currently being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The groups wrote a letter to ICE earlier this week demanding access to the detainees.

Amazon, which got its start selling books and still bills itself as “Earth’s most customer-centric company,” has officially entered the surveillance business.

North Bend School District has tried to sweep years of discrimination under the rug. They must be held accountable.

High school student Liv Funk goes public about the headline-making violence and discrimination LGBT youth endure at North Bend High School.

High school student Hailey Smith goes public about the headline-making violence and discrimination LGBT youth endure at North Bend High School.