Beaverton, Oregon, became a focal point for the immigration rights conversation yesterday after a community rally at Southridge High School brought supporters together following the deportation of local businessman Paulino Martin. Martin, who lived in Beaverton for over thirty years, was abruptly detained by ICE agents and, within a swift timeline of three days, transferred from Tacoma, Washington, to Arizona and then deported to Mexico, reported KGW.
Martin's son, Eric Martin, expressed to KPTV the profound impact his father's deportation had on their family, saying, "The reality is none of us eat, none of us can eat our favorite foods anymore, nobody can enjoy anything, not until we’re together again." With a licensed handyman and contractor gone, friends and community members like Don Allen spoke at the rally. Highlighting Martin's upright character and his unforeseen absence, "His absence diminishes us all; we are all here today because we refuse to treat his disappearance as normal," Allen stated, according to KGW coverage.
Increased ICE enforcement in the Beaverton area has caused distress among local students and their families. Southridge High School students like Emily Esquivel and teachers such as Addie Lyden shared concerns about the psychological trauma and widespread fear the deportations inflict on children, fearing parental loss. "In the past few weeks, I've been approached by numerous students who have cried and asked for help and support," Lyden detailed in an interview with KGW.
Paulino Martin, recognized for his community involvement and dedication to his family-owned business, is missed by community members who are calling for action from their elected leaders. Eric Martin remarked during the Friday rally, "We have always helped those around us, and always worked hard. We’ve always done the right thing. And if the right thing is to fight for a better life for our family, well, that’s exactly what my dad did," as conveyed by KATU News. Additionally, Beaverton City Councilor Nadia Hasan informed rally attendees about the city's consideration of a state of emergency to protect immigrant families, suggesting a collective effort is necessary for community safety.
