Immigration resources: information and help
The City is committed to ensuring everyone feels welcome. We want community members to feel safe, informed, and aware of their rights.
On December 5, the Mayor sent a letter to Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, expressing concern, sharing the impact of ICE activity in Vancouver, and asking for support and assistance on behalf of the community. Read the letter to the Governor.
We’ve compiled this page to help you connect with local community organizations and resources.
Equity in Vancouver
One of the City Council’s priorities is equity, and they passed Resolution M-4313 on Dec. 2, 2024, adopting an Equity and Inclusion Vision Statement outlining their commitment to acknowledging the responsibility to address existing inequities in City policies, programs, funding, and services for the benefit of all members of the public.
Understanding your rights
- Know Your Rights: Civil Immigration Enforcement in Washington | Office of the Attorney General
- Immigrant Students’ Rights to Attend Public Schools
- Know Your Rights | NWIRP.org
- Know Your Rights | American Civil Liberties Union
- Know Your Rights No Matter Who is President – NILC
- Protected Areas FAQs | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- League of United Latin American Citizens El Escudo: Immigrant Rights and Resources Toolkit
- DACA- Immigration — SW WA LULAC Council #47013
Legal assistance
- Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program (CCVLP)
- Home | Northwest Justice Project
- WashingtonLawHelp.org
- Legal Counsel for Youth and Children
Other assistance
Tools
These documents are to inform and assist; they should not be considered legal advice.
- ILRC’s Red Cards
- Know Your Rights | Stopped by Police | ACLU
- Find more immigration-related resources through the Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens Vancouver chapter
Role of Vancouver Police Department in immigration enforcement
The Vancouver Police Department will continue to serve all members of our community with professionalism and compassion. VPD will not undertake immigration-related investigations or sweeps and will not routinely inquire into the immigration status of persons officers come into contact with. Officers will not contact, detain, or arrest an individual solely for a suspected violation of civil immigration laws.
VPD policy regarding immigration enforcement is governed by RCW 43.10.315 and The Immigration and Nationality Act. These laws specifically define immigration enforcement as a federal responsibility. State and local law enforcement agencies do not have the authority to enforce civil immigration violations. VPD will continue to request identification from persons they come into contact with when appropriate. They will not request specific documents related to a person’s civil immigration status unless this information is specifically relevant to the crime being investigated, such as a bias crime. As specified in Vancouver Police Policy 428, any request for assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be addressed by a police supervisor.
Report crime, suspicious activity
Everyone, regardless of immigration status, is encouraged to contact 911 for life-threatening emergencies or to report a crime.
If you’re concerned a crime may be occurring or if you’re unsure the individual(s) involved in a situation are legitimate officers, please call 911.
Coming together as a community
Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Councilor Diana Perez, and Chief of Police Troy Price met with representatives from Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen School District. The discussion covered how the City and school districts collaborate to ensure students and families feel safe and supported in Vancouver.