Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise
In 1987, Oregon became the first state in the country to pass a statewide law stopping state and local police and government from helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement. For nearly 40 years, Oregon has upheld its sanctuary promise to stand for the safety, dignity, and human rights of immigrants and refugees living across the state.
Oregon reaffirmed and strengthened this commitment in 2021 by passing the Sanctuary Promise Act. The Act increases safety and protection measures for immigrant communities through increased support, as well as transparency and accountability regarding government interactions with federal immigration authorities.
What the Sanctuary Promise Does:
Oregon’s status as a Sanctuary State means that it is against Oregon law for state and local law enforcement or public agencies in the state of Oregon to participate directly or indirectly in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Oregon’s Sanctuary Laws say:
You do not have to share, and you should not be asked about your country of birth, immigration, or citizenship status by state or local law enforcement or government agencies. There are exceptions.
You may not be investigated or interrogated by state or local law enforcement for immigration enforcement purposes.
Your country of birth, immigration or citizenship status information should not be stored or shared by state or local government agencies or law enforcement.
Your information should not be shared by state or local law enforcement to assist in detaining you or any individual for immigration purposes.
All requests from federal agencies to state or local government agencies or law enforcement about immigration enforcement should be documented, reported and denied by the local agency receiving the request.
You cannot be arrested from a court facility, or while you are traveling to or from court, with any immigration warrant except a judicial warrant or order signed by a judge.
State or local law enforcement or public agencies must refuse and reject collaboration with federal authorities for immigration enforcement purposes, including setting up traffic stops or traffic perimeters to enforce federal immigration laws/orders.
You can access certain government services without being asked about your immigration status.
You can take legal action against violators of Oregon’s sanctuary laws.
Limitations of the Sanctuary Promise:
However, there are exceptions and limitations to these protections. Federal immigration authorities can operate in Oregon. Sanctuary laws do not prevent deportations or federal prosecutions. Violations of sanctuary laws—such as illegally obtaining or sharing information on immigration status—cannot be undone, even with inquiries by the Oregon Department of Justice.
Violations of Sanctuary Laws:
If Oregon’s sanctuary laws are being violated by a state or local police officer, state trooper, sheriff’s deputy, or government worker, either during their employment time or off duty time, you can report the violation to the Sanctuary Promise Hotline:
1-844-924-STAY (7829)
1-844-6-AMPARO (626-7276) (Sp)
SanctuaryPromise.Oregon.gov
PromesaSantuario.Oregon.gov (Sp)
Please note that this information is general guidance and not legal advice. For legal advice, request a consultation from ICS or speak to an immigration attorney today. For additional information on Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise, visit the Oregon Department of Justice and use their community toolkit and communication resources in several languages.