About Francisco Aguirre
Francisco Aguirre is a beloved and influential leader in the immigrant rights and labor movements, a refugee from El Salvador, a long-time Portland resident, a talented musician, and a devoted father.
Francisco has also experienced the horror that far too many Central American parents know: Grieving a senselessly murdered child.
Cruelly, at one point he faced years in prison for fleeing his own potential death in El Salvador, and he now faces the very real possibility of deportation.Upcoming Immigration Hearing
Francisco’s next court date in front of an Immigration Judge is December 1st, 2025, at 8:30am, in downtown Portland, at the Federal Building.
PERSECUTION, SANCTUARY, AND TRAGEDY
In September 2014, Francisco sought sanctuary at Augustana Lutheran Church in Portland for 81 days, a story that drew national attention. Find out more about those critical few years of persecution, sanctuary, and tragedy in Francisco’s saga.
FRANCISCO AGUIRRE: DEFENDER OF IMMIGRANT RIGHTS
Francisco has been involved in the fight for immigrant rights since 1996, soon after he arrived in Portland. He is founder and Executive Director of VIVA Inclusive Migrant Network, a non-profit organization that supports Oregon migrant communities. Francisco was one of the founders of the VOZ Workers’ Rights Education Project in Portland, a worker-led organization that empowers day laborers and immigrants. He has a long association with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, where he serves as President of the Board of Directors. He was also involved in a number of organizing activities in the Los Angeles area.
Francisco fights for worker and migrant rights at both the local and national level. He is also involved in the fight for the rights of marginalized US citizens, including the youth community and women subjected to domestic violence.
A Debt of Gratitude
Francisco is extremely grateful to the community that stood by him during his difficulties in 2014-2016, and to those who continue to stand by him! Special thanks to the lawyer that represented him at no charge, to the members of Augustana Lutheran church who gave him sanctuary, and to Pastor Mark Knutsen of Augustana, who has been a pillar of support. The bond with Augustana has stayed strong over the years, and Francisco is now leading the Spanish ministry there and studying to be a Lutheran pastor himself. Many of the Augustana members who stood by him are not with us anymore, but are, as Francisco says, “at peace with God”.
May God bless all those who provide Sanctuary.
Photo by Gregg Brekke
