Oregon Governor Plans To Uphold Sanctuary Laws Despite Trump’s Efforts

Oregon is pushing back on President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, as Governor Tina Kotek promises to uphold the state’s sanctuary laws.

Key Takeaways

Governor Tina Kotek reaffirms Oregon’s commitment to sanctuary laws despite Trump’s deportation efforts.
Oregon’s sanctuary laws, originated in the 1980s, limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Kotek’s administration has initiated employee training to comply with sanctuary policies, drawing criticism from some lawmakers.
National attention is expected as Oregon resists federal pressure on immigration enforcement.

Oregon’s Stance on Sanctuary Laws

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has reiterated the state’s dedication to its sanctuary law, originally enacted in 1987. This legislation limits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities unless serious crimes are suspected. Kotek made her stance clear in the days before Trump was inaugurated in response to threats from a Trump-affiliated nonprofit advocating for stricter immigration policies.

In addition, Kotek released a video statement on social media on January 26, asserting, “Our immigrant communities are Oregon communities,” and adding, “I will uphold Oregon’s sanctuary promise laws that were passed with almost unanimous bipartisan support in the 1980s.”

State Actions and Training Initiatives

Kotek’s administration is actively involved in training state employees to adhere to Oregon’s sanctuary laws. Over 11,000 employees are receiving instruction on compliance, learning to avoid participation in federal immigration enforcement. This “2025 Oregon’s Immigration Law Basics for State Employees” training mandates completion within 30 days and educates employees on these legal frameworks.

The opposition from some legislators like Rep. Ed Diehl highlights the ongoing contention regarding state versus federal law dynamics. According to him, “The training of public employees at the request of the governor is completely inappropriate and in direct violation of federal law.” Nonetheless, Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act of 2021 further restricts collaboration with federal authorities, empowering residents to report any infractions through a newly established hotline.

Implications and Broader Context

Oregon’s resistance to federal pressures on immigration symbolizes a deeper ideological and political divide between state and federal governance regarding immigration enforcement. National attention is likely as these tensions persist.

This political-laden landscape sees Oregon’s proactive measures including public education through the Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit, which informs residents about their rights and obligations under sanctuary laws. The initiatives solidify Oregon’s stance on illegal immigration.