Bend Current – February 2026

We have witnessed and heard about the real fear people in our community are experiencing due to the federal administration’s brutal and inhumane approach to immigration enforcement. We have all seen with our own eyes the actions by federal immigration officers that are going on in Minnesota and throughout the country that violate the rights of citizens and immigrants alike.

The federal government has the ability to enforce federal immigration laws, but what we are seeing right now is not law enforcement. Instead, it is a campaign of terrorizing communities in a way that makes everyone less safe.

Federal immigration agents are ripping families apart, injuring and detaining legal observers, stopping citizens without cause, and using excessive and unnecessary lethal force. This cannot stand. Every single person in this country deserves to be free from unjustified and unconstitutional violence and violation of their rights, including their First Amendment rights.

As Mayor, I took an oath to uphold the constitution, as did all of my fellow City Councilors. I respect the law, and I respect and support our Bend police officers and their adherence to our high standards of conduct. The current paramilitary approach to immigration enforcement, in contrast, is only resulting in chaos and violence, and it is entirely unneeded in our cities. Immigrants make up a vital part of our city and our economy. Immigration in America is not a threat to be managed. It is a strength to be protected.

On February 2, Bear Creek Road closed over the canal between 27th Street and Ward Road for about two months while crews rebuild the canal crossing and new shared use path. Check out more information and a detour map by visiting the link below!