Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is standing firm against the federal government's demands to revise the state's sanctuary laws. Last Wednesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter threatening legal action against jurisdictions with sanctuary policies, including Oregon and its cities. Kotek, undeterred, responded by defending the state's nearly 40-year-old law, which prohibits local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement unless mandated by the court. "Your letter asserts the State of Oregon engages in 'policies and procedures that thwart federal immigration enforcement.' You demanded a response by today. On behalf of the State of Oregon and its citizens, I respectfully disagree with your assertions," Kotek declared in her response, as reported by KATU.
Kotek's stance is bolstered by the significant support from Oregon voters; in a 2018 ballot, 63% voted against repealing the state's sanctuary law. This law, passed in 1987, keeps local authorities from inquiring about immigration status or assisting in immigration enforcement. According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Kotek affirmed that "the state of Oregon complies with federal law and it will continue to follow its own."
Further north in Washington, Governor Bob Ferguson issued his rebuke of AG Bondi's assertions, writing, "You are hereby notified that Washington State will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations." His heated response joined a growing wave of opposition to what many view as relentless pressure from the federal administration to restrict sanctuary policies. For states like Oregon and Washington, legal confrontations are looming on the horizon, with a recent lawsuit filed by Marion County seeking clarity on the nuances of these sanctuary policies—a move that demonstrates the ongoing struggle between state sovereignty and federal oversight, as noted by OPB.
