Cornelius City Council Meeting - November 14, 2025

Note: The transcript states the meeting was held on Monday, November 17, 2025, but the provided metadata indicates the meeting date is November 14, 2025. This summary uses the metadata date.

The meeting included a regular session, a work session, and a special meeting. The regular session began with the swearing-in of new Councilor Citlali Nunez Barragan, followed by public comments overwhelmingly focused on recent aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Cornelius. After extended public testimony, the council moved to a work session to discuss community needs and possible responses. The evening concluded with a special meeting in which the council unanimously ratified a proclamation declaring a state of emergency.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was adopted unanimously with no discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Numerous community members, educators, and advocates spoke about the impact of ICE enforcement. Key points included:
  • Megan Fitzgerald, a teacher at Echo Shaw Elementary, reported that students are experiencing trauma, parents are making emergency custody plans, and teachers are walking students to school because parents are afraid to leave home. She urged a state of emergency and allocation of funds to protect immigrant families.
  • Olivia Patricia Mendiano demanded that Flock cameras be turned off, alleging they are being used to share information with ICE. She cited constitutional and biblical references opposing the mistreatment of foreigners.
  • Alma also called for the removal of Flock cameras, stating they are being weaponized against the community.
  • Erica Diaz Tofayono, a district family resource coordinator, described witnessing ICE agents near schools and bus stops, and the daily fear experienced by families. She requested a state of emergency.
  • Robert Glover criticized the process of appointing Councilor Nunez Barragan, alleging it was pre-determined and based on DEI rather than qualifications. He resigned from the Planning Commission in protest.
  • Andreas Escalera expressed fear for his family's safety and questioned the limits of ICE authority, noting recent incidents of agents forcibly taking people from homes.
  • Sarah Jacques provided a list of actionable items for the city, including funds for detained individuals, rental assistance, and connecting families to resources.
  • Jorge Cisneros stated that the city is behind in addressing the issue and called for a community migration watch. He referred to ICE agents as "terrorists."
  • Carla Reyes, representing a civil rights organization, requested a state of emergency and civil rights monitoring.
  • Lopez Reyes, a community member and former Juntos coordinator, highlighted that fear is preventing families from accessing education resources, and that immigrants contribute billions in taxes and are essential workers.
  • Jacqueline Arzate Castañeda shared her personal story of fleeing the country at age eight and now, as a college student, working in an elementary school where children fear for their parents. She begged for a state of emergency.
  • Cassandra Arzate Castañeda, a public health student, called for a state of emergency and suggested that police should at least intervene to prevent impersonation of ICE agents.
  • Natalie Tahimarua spoke about the fear of racial profiling and the burden on older siblings if parents are detained.
  • Sherry, a community worker, emphasized the need for prevention rather than after-the-fact resources.
  • Ruthie Carlo from Indivisible Forest Grove shared solutions from neighboring cities, such as pamphlets to distinguish ICE from local police, and working with police to understand Oregon statutes.
  • Edgar Baker defended Councilor Nunez Barragan against Robert Glover's comments, stating she is a capable and engaged community member.
  • Laura Mannon, a longtime resident and educator, compared ICE tactics to the Gestapo and urged the council to do everything in its power.
  • Melissa Timm, an English language development facilitator, described incidents of ICE circling schools and taking parents, and called for proactive community organization.
  • Fernando Garis Vera, a former outreach worker, shared his experience with border patrol in Texas and urged the council to take action.
  • Josefina, a 20-year resident, speaking in Spanish, pleaded for help and asked the council to represent and protect the community.
  • Ayla Hoffler suggested using power of attorney for children, adoption, and educating the public about contributions of undocumented workers. She also proposed barricading school areas to protect children.

Discussion Items

• After public comments, the council moved to a work session on community needs.
• City Manager Brandon provided context, noting the city's strategic plan and the 2016 resolution supporting inclusion. He outlined legal constraints and resources available.
• Chief Coley discussed the difficulty of giving blanket advice on interactions with ICE, as each scenario is different. He clarified that Cornelius police do not use Flock cameras; two cameras placed by retail stores at the request of the Sheriff's Office were being removed. He also explained that federal agents are not required to identify themselves to local police, but officers would ask and would intervene in cases of egregious excessive force.
• Council discussed potential uses of emergency funds: direct aid vs. organizational support. Councilor Lopez favored direct funds to nonprofits like Centro Cultural's Esperanza Fund. Councilor Vaughn stressed fiscal responsibility and transparency. Councilor Godinez Valencia emphasized the need for organization and coordination across jurisdictions.
• Council unanimously expressed support for declaring a state of emergency. They discussed duration, settling on a date through the next council meeting (January 6, 2026) with the option to renew.

Key Outcomes

• Oath of Office: Citlali Nunez Barragan was sworn in as a new city councilor, filling a vacancy. She expressed her love for Cornelius and her commitment to the community.
• State of Emergency: The council authorized a special meeting to ratify a proclamation. Resolution 2025-61 was passed unanimously, ratifying the mayor's proclamation of a state of emergency due to aggressive federal immigration enforcement. The emergency powers include redirecting city funds, suspending procurement procedures, implementing safety protocols, issuing multilingual communications, coordinating with partner agencies, and other measures authorized under city code. The state of emergency will remain in effect until terminated by the city council, with a target review at the January 6, 2026 meeting.
• Police Actions: Chief Coley confirmed that two Flock cameras installed by private businesses at the request of the Sheriff's Office would be removed. The city will also explore posting images of Cornelius police officers in uniform to help community members identify legitimate law enforcement.
• Resource Availability: The city will continue to update its website (Cornelius OR.gov) with immigration resources and will accept suggestions from the community. Councilor Godinez Valencia mentioned whistle packs and legal observer training with the ACLU. Councilor Nunez Barragan shared library and Centro Cultural resources.