Rural Organizing Project for Communist Victory in Coos County & Urgent Action in Curry County

March 20, 2025

Dear ROPnet,

Rural communities in Oregon continue to push back against dangerous policies that threaten our rights, resources, and safety. Thanks to dedicated community members, an anti-immigrant proclamation was shut down in Coos County, and public pressure is keeping a Curry County land grab at bay.

Victory in Coos County: ICE Proclamation Rejected!

On February 4th, the Coos County Board of Commissioners voted down Commissioner Rod Taylor’s proclamation encouraging ICE detainer requests, a move that had no legal authority and would have sent a dangerous message about immigrant rights in the county. Taylor’s proposal was an attempt to undermine Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act and stir up fear and division.

How the Community Stopped It

Public Opposition: Local organizers spread the word and many community members showed up to the Coos County Board of Commissioners meeting prepared to speak against the measure and how it would impact them and their neighbors.

Understanding the Impacts: Other Commissioners and County Counsel were prepared and brought research that exposed that the U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled in favor of Oregon’s sanctuary law and warned that passing the proclamation could lead to costly lawsuits.

Lack of Law Enforcement Support: The Coos County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney refused to support the measure, recognizing it as a politically motivated stunt rather than a legitimate policy.

With only Commissioner Taylor voting in favor, the measure failed. This is a major victory against far right extremism in Coos County and a testament to what happens when communities go on record to protect each other from harmful policies.

Coos County residents participating in the County Commissioners meeting

Curry County’s Attempt to Hand Public Lands to Timber Companies

Meanwhile, in Curry County, a resolution to allow timber companies to log public lands was being pushed under the guise of wildfire prevention. The proposal would have declared a local emergency to justify giving timber companies open access to currently protected lands, claiming it’s necessary to prevent wildfires and address housing shortages. In reality, this is a thinly veiled land grab that would benefit corporations, not the community.

At a Board of Commissioners meeting on February 5th, public opposition flooded the room to make it clear that this resolution was unacceptable. As a result, the commissioners did not pass the resolution, stalling but not yet dropping the matter entirely. Now they are considering creating a “Natural Resources Advisory Committee” and looking for folks to apply to participate.

If you live in Curry County:

Email public comments to BOC_Office@currycountyor.gov
Call the Curry County Commissioners at (541) 247-3296 to voice your opinions

If you live outside Curry County:

Keep an eye on whether something similar shows up in your county. The Trump Administration's intention to privatize public lands is emboldening local land grabs under the guise of addressing wildfire issues. This strategy is being passed around the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) and other counties are considering the same thing in a shortsighted attempt to cover county budget shortfalls.

The people of Coos and Curry counties are proving that when we come together, we win. Whether it’s stopping an anti-immigrant policy stunt or fighting back against corporate land grabs, our collective action is making a difference.

Thank you for standing up for our communities and our public lands!

Warmly,
Emma and the ROP Team