HCAO Stands In Strong Opposition to ICE and Authoritarianism

Dear HCAO Community,

This past month has tested our hearts and renewed our sense of purpose. The loss of Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and many others at the hands of ICE are profound tragedies that touch every corner of our community. In the case of Alex, a VA nurse, he embodied what it means to be a healer. Alex was someone who put compassion into action and stood up to protect others from harm. His courage and dedication reminds us why we chose this path: to care for people, ease suffering, and protect health as a shared human right.

At Health Care for All Oregon, we carry forward that same spirit in our mission to build a universal health care system. Everyone deserves health care, without exception and without fear.

Let us be clear: We believe that health care is a human right for all, regardless of age, gender identity, employment status, income level, faith, or immigration status.  

Health is not a privilege reserved for some. It is the foundation of dignity and justice for all.

On Saturday, January 31st, members of HCAO’s Portland and Washington County chapters marched alongside our union brothers and sisters from Elizabeth Caruthers Park to the ICE detention center to show with our actions that we do not stand with the cruelties of ICE agents. 

HCAO advocates peacefully marched down the streets in solidarity with one another. This peaceful march was met with ICE agents assaulting protesters with tear gas. HCAO chapter members witnessed medics assisting a young girl being treated by street medics – eyes red from gas and inconsolable. She could not have been more than 6- or 7-years-old.

HCAO stands in strong opposition against ICE. If they are willing to do these acts in the light of day, what is being done behind closed doors?

Let us honor Renee, Alex, and all those targeted by ICE by continuing this work together with courage, empathy, and perseverance.  Let us remember our neighbors, friends, and colleagues who have been stolen from us or who must live in fear every day, even within the walls of their own homes. 

In moments of grief, we also find strength in community, compassion, and our shared belief that a healthier, more humane world is possible. As we carried a few people out of danger at the protest this weekend, we literally held one another up as a community. United by this vision, we will continue to fight for the care and equity every person deserves.