Our Latest News
We Continue Our Work With the Immigrant Solidarity Justice Collaborative
At IMIrJ, our hearts are focused on keeping our immigrant neighbors (and our broader community) safe and supported. That is why we are working tirelessly with our allies at the Immigrant Solidarity Justice Collaborative, a powerful regional network coordinated by Adelante Mujeres that supports immigrant families navigating the immigration system.
Improving the Sanctuary Fund for Our Neighbors
Here at IMIrJ, we believe in showing up for one another. To better support newly arrived neighbors as they navigate their difficult first steps in this country, we are upgrading our Sanctuary Fund processes to be more efficient and impactful.
Solidarity Across Oregon: The Statewide Accompaniment Network (SWAN)
At IMIrJ, we believe that true justice is rooted in community care. That’s why we are proud to be part of a new statewide coalition dedicated to finding the most effective ways to support our immigrant neighbors as they navigate their immigration-related appointments.
Thank You for Making Food Foray a Success
What an unforgettable evening! We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us for the Food Foray movie screening fundraiser. Your overwhelming support and shared commitment to justice made this event truly special.
The Sanctuary Fund:Building a Safe Haven, Together
Since the beginning of 2025, your contributions have directly funded 239 instances of care, keeping families safely housed, supplied with essentials, and moving forward.
Food, Film, and Community: A Special Fundraiser for IMIrJ
Join us for a screening of the docuseries Food Foray and taste the vibrant stories of our immigrant and refugee neighbors.
Food has a beautiful way of acting as a glue—bringing us together, sparking deep conversations, and crossing cultural boundaries. This fall, IMIrJ invites you to a unique fundraising event that celebrates the rich, diverse flavors and stories of our community.
Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship!
Today, our hearts are filled with profound gratitude and hope. In a historic decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, reaffirming that every child born on American soil is a U.S. citizen—regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
United in faith, hope, and solidarity for Venezuela
Today, we reach out to you with heavy hearts, yet sustained by faith, to stand in solidarity with our Venezuelan brothers and sisters. On June 24th, northern Venezuela was shaken by two devastating consecutive earthquakes (magnitudes 7.1 and 7.5). In times of such uncertainty, our faith calls us to be a beacon of hope and a channel for tangible support..
Let’s put pressure on County Commissioners to codify vital sanctuary protections
On April 9th at 10 am, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will hold its final vote on an ordinance to strengthen and codify sanctuary protections for immigrant and refugee communities.
Faith Leaders Organize Palm Sunday Vigil for Peace and Justice in Hillsboro
A group of local pastors and I are organizing a procession and vigil for Palm Sunday, March 29th, at 12 noon on the steps of the Washington County Courthouse, 145 NE 2nd Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124. And we'd love for you to join us!
Standing Together: The Growing Need for Accompaniment in Oregon
In 2025 alone, IMIrJ provided 363 accompaniments in Portland, with October marking our busiest month ever at 68 accompaniments. Requests remain high as community members face mandatory ICE check-ins, Immigration Court hearings, USCIS biometrics appointments, and ISAP appointments.
IMIrJ has officially joined the Immigrant Solidarity Justice Collaborative
We recently spent the day learning, strategizing, and collaborating with fellow immigrant justice organizations. This partnership strengthens our shared commitment to protecting and uplifting our most vulnerable community members through coordinated advocacy, resource-sharing, and collective action.
Leadership Rooted in Justice: Getting to Know IMIrJ’s New Executive Director
IMIrJ is proud to welcome Kiko Garcia as our new Executive Director following a thoughtful and values-driven leadership search led by our Board. This transition reflects our continued dedication to faith-rooted organizing, immigrant justice, and collective care.
Thousands Rally Against ICE: Unions and Families Stand Together for Immigrant Justice
Between 8,000 and 10,000 people—including teachers, nurses, other union members, and families—gathered to demonstrate their discontent at the “Labor Against I.C.E. Rally and March”.
Welcoming Kiko Garcia Executive Director
IMIrJ is entering a leadership transition. After a thoughtful and thorough search process, our Board has selected Kiko Garcia as IMIrJ’s next Executive Director. Kiko brings over 20 years of experience working alongside immigrant and refugee communities through education, advocacy, and organizational leadership, grounded in dignity, equity, and community wellbeing.
IMIrJ Co-Files Lawsuit to Enforce the Sanctuary Promise Act
Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ) and the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC), represented by the Oregon Law Center, have filed a lawsuit against Multnomah County and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office to enforce Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act.
Community Support Fuels Our Work
Thanks to the generosity of Cedar Hills UCC—along with ongoing support from Havurah Shalom, Deportation Defense, and DSA partners—our Welcome Center has been strengthened and better equipped to show up for immigrant families.
Sanctuary Fund Update: Impact at a Glance
Over the past month, your generosity has helped IMIrJ provide essential support to individuals detained at the Northwest Detention Center and to families facing sudden financial hardship. Here’s what your compassion made possible
Supporting Our Neighbors at the Welcome Center
As winter approaches, IMIrJ’s Welcome Center continues to serve newly arrived families and individuals seeking community and care. We are currently collecting essential winter items and pantry goods to support our guests, including jackets, blankets, hats, socks, and basic hygiene supplies.
Welcome Our New Board Members!
We are thrilled to welcome our new board members to the IMIrJ family! Each of them brings unique skills, deep compassion, and a strong commitment to our migrant neighbors and communities. Together, we are building a more welcoming Oregon — one rooted in justice, connection, and love.

