Demonstrations took place across Oregon on December 18 as part of a coordinated 'A Day Without an Immigrant' action. In Eugene, participants gathered on the Ferry Street Bridge to express solidarity with immigrant communities.
Voices from the Bridge
Among those present were Dee Perez, 19, and their grandmother Maria Flores, 68. Flores, who arrived in the United States four decades ago, shared her perspective. "We are all immigrants from other countries," Flores said in Spanish. "We came to this country because we need to work for our families left in the countries we came from."
Perez reflected on the challenges faced by the community. "We have to worry now whether or not we have to carry our passports or birth certificates," Perez said. "We're living somewhere where they don't want us here and they would rather see us die than see us survive."
Economic Impact and Organizing Efforts
The protest included an economic boycott to underscore the vital role immigrants play. Research from the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy indicates undocumented immigrants contributed nearly $100 billion in taxes during 2022.
Organizations such as Oregon for All, Party for Socialism & Liberation Eugene, and Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN) coordinated the statewide action, urging participants to abstain from work, school, and shopping.
Rob Fisette, an organizer with Lane County Immigrant Defense Network, outlined future plans. He mentioned additional actions scheduled for January 19, February 16, March 16, and April 1, building toward a major demonstration on May 1, 2026. "We're building for the May 1, 2026, day of general strike around the state," Fisette said. "This is a movement of the people."
Springfield Vigil Calls for Local Action
In Springfield, a candlelight vigil was held outside City Hall during the evening rain. Community advocate Johanis Tadeo addressed the gathering. "When your residents are living in fear, silence is not neutral. Silence becomes part of the harm," Tadeo told the crowd. "Tonight, we hold candles for our people, for our families, for our neighbors."
Alex Tadeo called for tangible change. "We deserve a new chapter for our Latino community," Alex Tadeo said. "A chapter where we're not surviving but building. Where kids feel safe, and families feel protected."
The vigil concluded with chants of "ICE Out" and calls for community support.
Context of Increased Enforcement
These demonstrations followed reports of heightened U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Oregon. The Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition noted that at least 373 individuals were detained by ICE in the state during November, with 26 of those occurring in Lane County.
Jacob Griffin, an organizer with Trans Alliance for Lane County, connected the struggle to broader themes of justice. "Right now, the week before Christmas, there are children whose parents aren't going to be home with them for no reason other than the United States government doesn't like the color of their skin," Griffin said. He urged greater participation, referencing the poem "First They Came" by Pastor Martin Niemöller.
The events demonstrated widespread local support, with endorsements from numerous groups including United for Immigrant Justice, Community Alliance of Lane County, and the University of Oregon Student Workers Union.
