Sheriff tells Clatsop County Commissioners ICE interaction could be ‘perilous’ Published 11:30 am Thursday, November 13, 2025 By MATHIAS LEHMAN-WINTERS Clatsop County Sheriff Matthew Phillips said ICE operations put local law enforcement in a tough spot. (The Astorian file photo) They operate with ‘a different rulebook’ On Saturday, Nov. 8, six people were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Seaside. The community was alarmed by the actions and it was one of the main topics of discussion at the Clatsop County Commission meeting on Wednesday. Clatsop County Sheriff Matthew Phillips spoke at the meeting and communicated to the commissioners that he and the other 35 sheriffs across the state had had an earlier meeting that day with ICE officials. The meeting, Phillips said, did nothing to assuage local law enforcement concerns about ICE raids. “We laid out several instances that brought significant concern, and basically they didn’t blink,” said Phillips. “They were maybe indifferent to what our concerns were, not responsive or acknowledging them.” The sheriffs listed examples of dangerous situations to Scott Meyer, interim field office director for ICE out of Seattle, and other ICE officials. In one instance, a sheriff said an unidentified ICE vehicle chased a car resulting in a high-speed crash in Salem. In another, ICE agents stopped a woman, took her car keys and ID and left her on the side of the road. The sheriffs reported that local law enforcement agencies had been flooded recently with calls about abductions and apparent crimes that turned out to be ICE operations, according to Phillips. “We had a very unproductive conversation with ICE today, so that’s problematic,” said Phillips. “It really harms the legitimacy,” he said. Commissioner Mark Kujala said ICE actions are causing fear in the community and are not acceptable. “There is a certain arrogance and obviously not a spirit of cooperation or collaboration with what is going on,” said Kujala. “We have U.S. citizens that (are) carrying around their passports because they’re afraid that just because of the color of their skin they’re going to get arrested or detained.” Phillips said the ICE officials said there were increasing numbers of assaults and threats directed at them. They said assaults against their officers were up 1,000%, and threats against the families of ICE officers up 8,000%. “I can’t help but wonder if the way they’re conducting business has an impact on that,” said Phillips. “You can do it respectfully and still accomplish the mission.” Phillips said he had told ICE officials that their tactics “don’t necessarily fit the profile of the person that they’re taking down. …they’re not all taken off the Top 10 Most Wanted list,” he said. Commissioner Lianne Thompson wondered if ICE was conducting the detentions lawfully. “What I hear you describing (and) what I read about is lawlessness under the guise of a federal policy,” said Thompson. She then asked what the commission could do to support the sheriff’s department. “This is a very difficult situation,” Phillips said. “Federal law enforcement is able to operate with a lot more liberties than state and local law enforcement. We have to accept that they have a different rulebook.” Phillips then said he is concerned that if his deputies or other local law enforcement challenged ICE agents during an action, they could be arrested for interfering with federal operations. “Potentially, the best thing we could do is be good observers and document and report things,” said Phillips. Phillipps said he “has the sense” that the ICE officials they were talking in the meeting weren’t aware of what actually was taking place as they said with assurance that their agents always wore vests with clear markings. “The sheriffs around the room basically laughed and challenged them on that and said, ‘That is not what’s happening in the communities,’” said Phillips. At the end of the meeting with county commissioners, Phillips said spectators should keep their distance from any ICE operations that may happen in the future and warned that confronting ICE agents could be “perilous.” The Astorian reached out to Phillips on Thursday, and asked if he thought there would be increased ICE activity in Clatsop County. “My best guess … They’ve brought in (ICE) agents from around the country,” said Phillips. “They’re focusing on Oregon for a period of time, and then they’re going to go focus on another state.”
Please register online for classes so the instructorsknow you’re coming: SeaDreamYoga.com
AND we have SPECIAL EVENTS:
11/21 NATURAL CARE FOR HEALTHY BREASTS: A WOMEN’S WORKSHOP – 5pm
This workshop will be a mix of discussion and movement. Join Libby Golden Seaver as she demonstrates the power of self-care for healthy breasts. Including: easy breast massage routine including lymphatic support, essential oils, red light therapy, yoga-like movement and fascia flossing for the lymph system and whole body. Let’s bring love and light to this oft dark topic. This work comes from Libby’s personal experiences and her research as a health coach. No breast exposure at any time. Women only.
and
A 2-hour WINTER SOLSTICE RESTORATIVE YOGA EVENT on the 21st at 5pm.
Visit SeaDreamYoga.com for more details!
Ashley: ashleymichelle.agee@gmail.com
503-457-8141
Where: White Clover Grange 36585 OR-53, Nehalem, OR 97131
When: This Sunday, November 16th from 3:00-4:30pm
Cost: $10-$15
Let’s move some energy together!
A little sample of their music:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lvFc3i71nv5L2z0SEPJWM?si=v3xk7rrvTniE_Osq6qp1pA
Please feel free to give me a call and we will discuss the needs of your loved one. I can also be reached at 503-707-4027. Thank you.
DATE: Friday, November 21st @ 12:00, Alder Creek Farm
REGISTER HERE: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4t1w_HybTKxpTHc5w_6SoNgfeZ43HD1lVDbY7XjpzKgYkbw/viewform?usp=header
What To Expect:
Walk < 1.5 miles over gravel. Off-trail sections optional for viewing.
Carpool for a short (15 minute) drive from Alder Creek Farm.
Dress for variable coastal weather.
Learn about local salmon conservation methods!
Where to Meet:
We will carpool from Alder Creek Farm: 35955 Underhill Ln., Nehalem, Oregon 97131
Beverly is a habitat restoration project coordinator with Tillamook Estuaries Partnership. Her job includes assessing salmon habitats and thinking of ways to make them healthier, then putting those ideas into practice. Beverly has always enjoyed working with animals and has spent the last several years focusing on salmon. She’s previously worked at both the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, monitoring fishing activity and conducting surveys that look for salmon and their redds (spawning sites). She has a big passion for the ecosystems here in Tillamook County and is always excited to find ways to conserve and promote healthy habitats.
Silver gray in color
Nice paint
$1000 Takes it
priced to sell fast
Vintage Schwinn beach cruiser
Lots of extra parts:
Pumps / tubes/ tires / ect
Both are worth a lot more than asking.
Take them both for $100 each
971-324-0149
(((Please NO EMAILs)))
CALLS ONLY Please!
Good Morning Nehalem
I’m a local, a father of 3 and trying to pick up some extra (local) work.
Available in Nehalem/ Manzanita/ Wheeler /Miami Foley
If you have any projects needing attention.
Well then, I’m you guy!
I have many skills & wear many hats.
My skills include:
*Yard work (Large Properties and small I have my own equipment)
*Painting (interior/ exterior/ cars/ toys)
*Heavy Equipment Operater
*Gutters
*Skilled Car Mechanic
*Licensed driver
*Transporter
* Errand runner
*Pet Sitter & Walker
and Lots more!
If you have something in mind that’s not listed…
just ask me.
Most likely I’m your man!
Have a wonderful day!
Looking forward to working for you.
Call to discuss jobs
Landline:
(971)324-0149
~~~~ NO EMAILS!~~~~
*please just give me a call*
(971)324-0149
What To Expect:
Walk < 1.5 miles over gravel. Off-trail sections optional for viewing.
Carpool for a short (15 minute) drive from Alder Creek Farm.
Dress for variable coastal weather.
Learn about local salmon conservation methods!
Where to Meet:
We will carpool from Alder Creek Farm: 35955 Underhill Ln., Nehalem, Oregon 97131
Register Here: docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSc4t1w…/viewform
Beverly is a habitat restoration project coordinator with Tillamook Estuaries Partnership. Her job includes assessing salmon habitats and thinking of ways to make them healthier, then putting those ideas into practice. Beverly has always enjoyed working with animals and has spent the last several years focusing on salmon. She’s previously worked at both the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, monitoring fishing activity and conducting surveys that look for salmon and their redds (spawning sites). She has a big passion for the ecosystems here in Tillamook County and is always excited to find ways to conserve and promote healthy habitats.
Just a heads up that our Animal Loss Grief Support group will not be able to meet tomorrow – we will plan to see you next month. Please reach out to Rev Christy Kay if you need support before then. (503) 800-1092
Our adult grief support group will meet Friday November 14th, 5:30, here at Rising Hearts Studio. This no fee group is facilitated by Sam Wall, and sponsored by HUGGS.
And please join us for a FREE sound bath Saturday morning 9 AM – bring your own mat, blanket, pillows and whatever you need to be comfortable – come bathe yourself in healing sound, to calm, recenter, and clear out the old energies that no longer serve. This offering is facilitated by Rev Christy Kay, a licensed and certified sound healer, and is offered as a GIFT to our community. All you need to do is show up!
Shop hours are back to normal this weekend- Friday-Sunday 11-4 – stop in and see what’s new!
Hope to see you in the Studio soon! Blessings of Health and Wellness!
Rising Hearts Studio
35840 7th St
Hwy 101, downtown Nehalem
(503) 800-1092
“Lifting the community with education and services that promote healing on all levels.”
Get your fully stocked GoBag and GoBag supplies. Order online and pick up on Saturday, November 15, 1-1:30 PM.
evcnb.org/events-and-training/gobag-popup-11152025
Red Cross Shelter Exercise
Saturday 11/15/2025
9 am – 1 pm
Calvary Bible Church
560 Laneda Ave
Manzanita, OR 97130
You are encouraged to Come; No Previous Training or Red Cross Membership is required.
This is Truly Community Training for ALL!!
evcnb.org/events-and-training/shelter-exercise-11152025
Sign up for our comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) class, in which you will obtain the know-how and equipment to get your household prepared to properly manage your WaSH needs during an emergency.
Saturday, November 22
From 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
evcnb.org/events-and-training/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-11222025
Your local land trust hosts weekly stewardship work parties from 10:00 – 12:00 every Friday morning, rain or shine. Join us to take care of this beautiful place we call home in good company.
Our meeting locations change week by week. Email shane@nehalemtrust.org to receive directions to this week’s work location!
Up next is an evening with Adam Sawyer. Guidebook author, travel writer & photographer, nature essayist, and Tillamook resident Adam Sawyer will be reading, sharing advice on outdoor destinations, and answering questions about where to go and what to do in the PNW this winter.
We’ll also be sampling delicious trail snacks, including Angora Peak Granola Bars from Arch Cape.
Green Coast Market is located at 117 S Miller Street in downtown Rockaway Beach. We are open Thursday through Monday 10-5, but late on Saturdays, for free events like this. (Closed Tuesday/Wednesday.)
Learn more and sign up for our newsletter at: www.greencoastmarket.com
Mondays & Wednesdays, 2:00pm-3:00pm
January 5–February 14
Register by December 19!
If it’s your first go at ASL, or you’ve been using it for years, this is an opportunity to use conversational ASL to communicate with others.
Tillamook Bay Community College will supply us with a teacher and the NCRD will supply us with a room and the technology.
The cost will be $128 and will go down to $99 if there are 10 or more participants.
Have questions? Contact:
Kiley Konruff at NCRD
KileyK@ncrdnehalem.org
855-444-6273
971-308-0312
or
JoAnn Critelli at TBCC
joanncritelli@tillamookbaycc.edu
503-842-8222 x 1320
We’ve got a little extra room and we’re looking for just the right artists and crafters to show/sell their work.
The details: there is no cost to show, and you don’t have to be there. It’s more like a pop-up shop/gallery. We set up, handle all sales, you keep 75% of the proceeds.
We’re looking for handmade work produced in our community. And, here’s the catch: we’ve got a number of styles/disciplines covered already. Which is to say, we’ve already got a candle-maker (actually two) so we’re covered in that regard. Wall space is also limited.
Anyway, show us what you’ve got–send photos and hopefully we can add you to the show.
And, as always, when it comes to holiday gift buying remember to SHOP LOCAL!
