Category Federal

UPDATE: Federal agents arrest 2 at downtown Salem courthouse
Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Thursday, March 26, assisted federal agents in arresting a man who had a warrant signed by a federal judge, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. Witnesses described the arrests as immigration-related, which the sheriff’s office would not confirm.
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Salem refugee community seeks state support in era of turmoil
A recent memo from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security showed the agency’s intention to detain and question people in the process of getting a green card. It’s the latest of a series of federal policy changes that have stirred fear and stress for refugees living in Salem.
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Federal grants to Salem homeless services likely to be renewed after court ruling halts drastic policy changes
For over two months, Salem area homeless services that provide shelter and housing to people in the community faced uncertainty over the renewal of expected funding after the Trump administration announced major changes to its grant process. Last week, after a judge found the changes would likely cause "irreparable harm,” the administration reversed course for the time being.

Oregon immigration lawyers say they face more restrictions under Trump
Since President Donald Trump took office in January, immigration lawyers in Oregon say they’ve experienced inconsistent restrictions on their ability to talk to their clients in detention.

Federal funding for Salem-area homeless services in limbo after HUD withdraws controversial policy
After getting sued by 20 states including Oregon for its plan to shift nationwide homeless policy, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development temporarily pulled guidelines for distributing money to homeless shelters that prioritized those that require people to work and be sober before getting housing. Salem-area providers don’t know when applications will be due, or what will be asked of them.

New Trump administration policies on homelessness ask Salem providers to follow methods they say don’t work
A Trump administration shift in homelessness policy would prioritize shelters that require drug treatment and work with immigration authorities, with a preference for funding new programs over existing ones. Salem providers said the changes would be “catastrophic.”

Trump administration to pay about half of November SNAP benefits amid shutdown
Administration officials said it could take weeks or month to distribute partial food benefits to 42 million Americans who receive assistance through SNAP.

Oregon sues Trump admin for attempt to restrict public service loan forgiveness
President Donald Trump in March signed an executive order denying student loan forgiveness to agencies and nonprofits that help immigrants living in the U.S. without proper documentation, provide gender-affirming health care to transgender youth and promote diversity and inclusion.

Salem troops might go to Portland after court ruling favors National Guard deployment
A federal appeals court on Monday ruled the Trump administration can deploy the Oregon National Guard to Portland. A Salem unit ordered to be deployed to Portland last month has remained mobilized and could be called to the city, depending on the outcome of further legal proceedings.
