Federal Court Hearing and Sanctuary Fund Launch Headline Portland Political Calendar
Multnomah County Opens Applications for Sanctuary Grant Program
Multnomah County officially launched the application process for its newly established Multnomah Sanctuary Fund today, Friday, January 30, 2026. The $75,000 community grant program was developed to support organizations and businesses that are not currently under contract with the county but are actively addressing the needs of immigrant and refugee communities. The fund aims to mitigate the local impact of federal immigration enforcement and recent changes in immigration policy.
Following a unanimous vote by the Board of Commissioners earlier this week, the fund is prioritized for distribution across diverse linguistic and cultural groups that have not recently received emergency government assistance. Interested parties must submit their applications through the Multco Marketplace (MMP) procurement platform. The application window is scheduled to remain open until February 18, 2026.
Federal Court Convenes for Portland Protest Lawsuit
In the judicial branch, a significant status conference is taking place today in federal court regarding a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and other federal officials. The case, which is backed by civil rights advocates, seeks to impose permanent limitations on the use of tear gas, pepper balls, and other less-lethal munitions by federal agents at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland.
The hearing follows recent declarations from a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection commissioner, who testified that federal agents demonstrated a pervasive pattern of excessive force during past demonstrations. Today’s session is expected to address current evidence and the federal government's response to motions filed by local residents and veterans who were injured during previous enforcement actions.
Citywide "ICE Out" Strike Impacts Local Economy
Outside of official chambers, Portland is experiencing a major political event as dozens of local businesses participate in a "National Shutdown" strike. The "ICE Out" protest, occurring today, has led to the closure of several prominent restaurants and shops, including Ice Queen, Asterra, and Obon Shokudo. Business owners and activists are participating in a day of "no work, no school, and no shopping" to protest federal immigration tactics.
While some businesses have remained open due to financial constraints, many have pledged to donate a percentage of today's proceeds to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition. This community-led action coincides with a state-level deadline today for the Oregon Secretary of State to appoint members to explanatory statement committees and the monthly submission deadline for initiative petitions, marking a high-stakes conclusion to the week in regional governance.