DPLC hosts fundraising dinner at Eugene venue that profits from ICE contracts

from Rapid Response Lane County

Dear Democrats of Lane County,

We are reaching out with a respectful concern about the upcoming DeFazio dinner being held at The Graduate Hotel in Eugene.

The Graduate Hotels operates under a partnership with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, which has contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Given that our party recently led efforts to pass the immigrant justice package, we believe hosting this event at an ICE-affiliated venue sends a message that contradicts the values we voted to uphold.

We are asking that the party relocate the dinner to a locally-owned venue, issue a brief statement reaffirming our commitment to immigrant justice, and consider a vetting process for future event spaces.

We raise this not in opposition to the party, but because we hold it to a high standard. Democrats must do better — and we believe we can.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Rapid Response Lane County

UPDATE (March 30, 2026): When the DPLC did not respond to the original letter, Rapid Response Lane County followed up:

I am disappointed in the fact that you all didn’t respond to my original email and continue to host the dinner at the Graduate Hotel. A party that puts money in the pockets of those that are profiting from the hunting of my people is not my party. 

When you all ask yourselves where the Democratic Party has failed, add this to the dozens of reasons why performative liberalism fails your constituents. 

I will be putting my efforts and money into minority parties instead. This moment calls for courage, not meek politicians that can’t be inconvenienced to change venues once they realize that they’re supporting the family separation profit pipeline.

In Lane County 125+ people have been separated from their families in 2025, three of them children. If you don’t care about that, then you’re just as horrible as the Republican Party.

UPDATE (April 3, 2026, from Facebook):

A Statement from the Democratic Party of Lane County

Saturday night’s DeFazio Dinner is the largest fundraiser for the Democratic Party of Lane County and will be the main source of funds in an election year that is foundational to the future of our democracy.

The DeFazio Dinner funds the organizing and voter outreach that allow us to win elections and protect our neighbors. Winning elections is how we fight against hate, fight against fascism, fight against racism, and fight against all policies that harm our communities.

To be clear, the location of this year’s dinner, Graduate Eugene, a local franchise privately owned, has confirmed that they have not, and are not providing housing for ICE agents.

We understand why many of our neighbors care deeply about these issues. So do we. But, stepping back from this work, at this moment in this moment in history, is not an option. Building the resources to organize, turn out voters, win elections, and fight back against Donald Trump and his fascist administration is how we meet this moment—and that is exactly what this event is about.