Gov. Tina Kotek launches major push against Trump-era immigration enforcement with controversial new Oregon laws

Oregon – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and state lawmakers have advanced a series of immigration-related laws aimed at limiting federal enforcement actions in the state, as tensions continue between Oregon officials and policies tied to President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.

The debate centers on how far federal immigration enforcement should be allowed to operate within Oregon, a state that has long maintained sanctuary policies limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Oregon first adopted sanctuary protections nearly four decades ago, establishing one of the earliest statewide restrictions of its kind in the country.

Kotek has said the state is responding to what she described as “unprecedented” federal enforcement activity, arguing that Oregon must take steps to protect residents from fear-driven policing practices. She emphasized that the state has a responsibility to ensure safety and clarity when federal operations occur in communities.

“When you have a federal government that is doing things that are unusual, in some cases unlawful, very unanticipated, it’s very important for states to be able to have the tools at their disposal to keep their residents safe,” Kotek said during remarks tied to a ceremonial bill signing in Portland.

According to state officials, federal immigration agents have arrested more than 2,100 people in Oregon under Trump’s broader deportation efforts, which have been described nationally as one of the largest enforcement campaigns in modern U.S. history. The Trump administration has also previously threatened to withhold federal funding from sanctuary states, including Oregon, over non-cooperation policies.

In response, Oregon lawmakers passed eight bills during the latest legislative session that Kotek said are intended to protect immigrant communities and clarify limits on federal enforcement actions within the state.

The new laws include restrictions on law enforcement officers, including federal agents, wearing masks while conducting certain operations. Supporters say the measure is intended to increase transparency and accountability during enforcement actions in public spaces.

Another provision allows individuals to pursue civil action against federal agents who enter private property without a judicial warrant, expanding legal recourse for residents who believe their rights have been violated.

Additional measures require public schools to notify staff and parents when immigration authorities are present on school grounds. State officials said the goal is to ensure families are informed and students are not caught off guard during enforcement activity.

The legislation also sets new guidelines for hospitals regarding the sharing of patient information related to immigration status. State leaders say the intent is to protect medical privacy and ensure that individuals are not discouraged from seeking care due to fear of immigration enforcement.

Other parts of the package strengthen oversight of how state agencies share personal data with federal authorities and prohibit the use of immigration status as evidence in certain civil cases.

Kotek said the laws are designed to reduce fear in immigrant communities and reinforce Oregon’s long-standing identity as a sanctuary state.

“The bills will reduce fear in the communities, knowing that there are ways to push back on what the federal government is doing,” she said.

Immigrant advocacy groups have supported the legislation, including the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), which hosted a bill signing ceremony. IRCO leaders said the governor has long been a supporter of vulnerable populations and praised the state’s efforts to expand protections.

“She is no stranger to the community,” said IRCO Executive Director Lee Po Cha. “Even during the time she was a legislator, she has been a great champion for vulnerable populations.”

Kotek also pointed to her experience as Oregon House Speaker during Trump’s first term, when the state clashed with federal policies on environmental regulation and health care access. She said the current actions reflect a continuation of Oregon’s efforts to define its own policies in opposition to federal direction when necessary.

“This is not unusual for Oregon to say, ‘Hey, I guess we better clarify who we are and what our protections are,’” Kotek said.

She added that lawmakers may revisit the issue in future sessions depending on how the laws are implemented and how federal policies evolve.

“We don’t know what the Trump administration is going to throw at our state next,” Kotek said. “But the Legislature is back next year. If these aren’t enough, then I’m sure there will be new ideas.”

The legislation marks one of the most significant state-level responses in recent years to federal immigration enforcement policy, underscoring ongoing political divisions between Oregon and Washington over immigration, civil liberties, and state sovereignty.