Rep. Janelle Bynum questioned at town hall after ‘gratitude to law enforcement,' ICE vote
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Just one week ago, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum voted to 'express gratitude to law enforcement officers, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, for protecting the homeland' as part of House Resolution 488, which condemned the attack in Boulder, Colorado.
On Monday night, she spoke in front of a packed Lake Oswego crowd at another public forum, just days after protesting Donald Trump and his immigration policies.
So, what changed?
Bynum told KOIN 6 that her vote wasn't an endorsement of everything in the resolution. She says the language tying antisemitism to support for ICE was a political move.
Now, she wants to focus on protecting immigrants and keeping communities safe — without the fear and chaos she says the Trump administration is spreading.
'You can agree on the what, but the how is really, really disturbing,' Bynum said. 'It was a very politicized resolution, and I don't support that language.'
At her eighth town hall, Bynum faced a crowd with tough questions.
'I'm here to ask the congresswoman about her voting record,' said Jonathan Greenlee at the event, 'I just want to know how she can answer to the immigrants in our community, who are feeling the unprecedented terror of the Trump administration right now?
The town hall made it clear — immigration is top of mind for a lot of people.
'We are needing immigration reforms desperately. We need more people welcoming others rather than just sending them on their way,' said Nancy Chesney-Smith, who spoke at the event.
'Even though I love the USA, I've never been so down about Americans yelling at other Americans. Just the way we treat other people in general, there's got to be a better way,' added Jim Smith.
President Trump announced he's shifting immigration raids away from farms and hotels to democratic-led cities, sparking backlash and fears of political targeting.
While this plays out, many are simply looking for some sense of normalcy — even if that means a town hall:
'If anything, I'm just here to get a sense of hope,' said town hall attendee Erin Creane. 'I don't know what's gonna happen, I just know that we have to not just let it happen. We have to try to stop wherever we can and try to make it.'
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