About the Law
As a sanctuary state since 1987, Oregon stands for the safety, dignity and human rights of all Oregonians.
Oregon Is a Sanctuary State
Oregon has been a sanctuary state since 1987, committed to protecting the safety, dignity, and human rights of all Oregonians. It was the first state in the nation to prohibit state and local police and government agencies from assisting federal authorities with immigration enforcement, with few exceptions. Over the years, this law has been updated several times.
In 2021, the Oregon legislature strengthened these protections by passing the Sanctuary Promise Act (HB 3265). This law expands safety measures and support for immigrant communities and increases transparency in how state and local agencies interact with federal immigration authorities.
Under Oregon law, state and local law enforcement and public agencies may not participate—directly or indirectly—in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. They also may not allow federal immigration authorities access to non‑public areas without such a warrant. Private immigration detention centers are prohibited in the state. State and local police are barred from acting on non‑judicial warrants (see our Glossary(open new window/tab)). The Sanctuary Promise Act requires any request from federal agencies related to immigration enforcement that lacks a judicial order to be documented, reported, and denied. Certain exceptions may apply.
The Sanctuary Promise team at the Oregon Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Unit provides support to impacted community members and makes inquiries into violations reported on the Sanctuary Promise Hotline (1-844-924-STAY / 1-844-6-AMPARO) and Online Portal (SanctuaryPromise.Oregon.gov or PromesaSantuario.Oregon.gov). Violations are subject to civil legal action by any person.
What are Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws?
Oregon’s sanctuary laws are codified under ORS 180.805 » (open new window/tab), 180.810 » (open new window/tab), and 181A.820 to 181A.829 » (open new window/tab). The laws are very specific and grant certain exceptions depending on the government agency involved and the exact situation of the targeted person. Please call the hotline with any questions you may have.
Oregon public bodies and law enforcement agencies are generally prohibited from inquiring about immigration status or participating in federal immigration enforcement efforts. Except as required by state or federal law, services, benefits, or other opportunities cannot be denied to any person who is in custody based on immigration status.
Oregon Sanctuary Laws say:
- Law enforcement and government agencies may not ask for information about country of birth, immigration status or citizenship status. There are exceptions.
- Law enforcement may not investigate or interrogate a person for immigration purposes.
- Law enforcement and government agencies should not store or share information about an individual’s country of birth or immigration or citizenship status. There are exceptions.
- Law enforcement should not share information about a person for the purposes of immigration enforcement.
- All requests from federal agencies to state or local government agencies or law enforcement for purposes of immigration enforcement should be documented, reported and denied unless there is a judicial order.
- Law enforcement is prohibited from making a civil immigration arrest in a court facility, or while an individual is traveling to or from court, with any immigration warrant except a judicial warrant or order signed by a judge (for more information about different types of warrants, see our Glossary (open new window/tab)). This provision may not be enforceable against federal immigration authorities.
- A person may take legal action against violators of Oregon’s sanctuary laws.
- If Oregon’s sanctuary laws are being violated by a police officer, state trooper, sheriff’s deputy, either during their employment time or off duty time, or by a government worker, you can report the violation to the Sanctuary Promise Hotline.
Disclaimer: The links and information provided on these pages are for information only, are not exhaustive, and do not constitute legal advice. Not all content reflects the views of the Oregon Department of Justice. To create an agency policy or to obtain advice regarding a specific communication or request from a federal immigration authority, consult your agency counsel. For information about your rights and legal options, consult an attorney ». (open new window/tab)