Following nearly three hours of emotional public testimony over the impact of immigration arrests, Salem city councilors voted Monday to reaffirm the city’s commitment to following state sanctuary laws and to draft a declaration of a state of emergency over increased federal immigration activities which many speakers described as terrorizing the community.

The first motion, brought by Council President Linda Nishioka, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to inclusion and stated its support for Oregon sanctuary law. It passed 7-2, with Councilors Shane Matthews and Deanna Gwyn voting against the motion.

Matthews and Gwyn, along with Salem Mayor Julie Hoy, also voted against drafting a declaration of a state of emergency, a motion brought by Councilor Vanessa Nordyke.

Nordyke’s motion also di

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