Gov. Kotek reacts to immigration debate, says “Trump’s chaos threatened Oregon” and claims she “took action to protect immigrant and refugee families”

Oregon – “Oregon was the first sanctuary state in the nation. When President Trump’s chaos threatened Oregon communities, I took action to protect immigrant and refugee families and strengthened Oregon’s sanctuary protections. Our values will never change based on who is in the White House,” Governor Tina Kotek said in a post on social media earlier this week.

Governor Tina Kotek reaffirmed Oregon’s sanctuary state status following federal immigration tensions and ongoing national debate over state-level immigration enforcement policies. Her statement underscored Oregon’s decades-long approach to limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

According to reporting from the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Kotek has signed multiple bills in recent years aimed at strengthening protections for immigrant and refugee communities. The 2026 legislative package built on earlier measures that expanded access to legal services, reinforced limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and increased protections for personal data held by state agencies.

Oregon’s sanctuary policy, first enacted in 1987, restricts state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities in certain enforcement actions. Supporters of the policy argue it is designed to improve public safety by encouraging immigrant communities to report crimes without fear of deportation, while critics contend it limits cooperation with federal authorities.

The governor’s remarks come amid continued national debate over immigration enforcement, particularly during the Trump administration, which has repeatedly called for stricter federal control and increased cooperation from states. Oregon officials, however, have consistently pushed back, maintaining that immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility.

A report from the Oregon Capital Chronicle highlighted that Kotek signed a series of immigration-related bills during the 2026 legislative session. These measures focused on protecting immigrant access to public services, restricting certain enforcement practices in sensitive locations, and reinforcing Oregon’s existing sanctuary framework.

Advocates for immigrant rights, including organizations cited in state legislative discussions, have said these laws are intended to protect families and ensure access to education, healthcare, and legal support regardless of immigration status. They also argue that clear state protections reduce fear and improve community trust in public institutions.

Opponents, however, have raised concerns that sanctuary policies may limit cooperation between state and federal agencies, particularly in cases involving individuals with criminal convictions. This ongoing debate has led to repeated political clashes between Oregon leaders and federal immigration officials.

Kotek’s statement emphasizes continuity in Oregon’s approach, signaling that the state intends to maintain and strengthen its sanctuary protections regardless of changes in federal leadership. As immigration policy remains a national issue, Oregon continues to position itself among the most consistent sanctuary jurisdictions in the United States.