Salem, OR – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek reaffirmed her commitment to the state’s sanctuary law on Friday, despite receiving a warning from a nonprofit organization aligned with President-elect Donald Trump. The America First Legal Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., sent a letter to Kotek on December 23, claiming that Oregon’s sanctuary policies were violating federal immigration laws. The letter also warned Kotek of potential criminal and civil liabilities for obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
In her response, Kotek stood firm on her administration’s dedication to upholding Oregon’s sanctuary law, which limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. “I remain focused on delivering results for the issues Oregonians care about most,” she said in a statement. “I stand by Oregonians’ state-guaranteed protections and civil liberties.”
The letter from the America First Legal Foundation, signed by attorney James Rogers, argued that Oregon’s sanctuary policies put both Kotek and state officials at risk of significant legal consequences. The group insisted that Kotek comply with federal immigration laws, claiming the state’s refusal to cooperate with federal authorities constituted “lawlessness.”
Despite these threats, Kotek’s administration indicated that it would continue to prioritize the protection of immigrant communities, emphasizing the state’s legal right to determine its own policies on immigration enforcement. Her stance is in line with Oregon’s long-standing tradition of protecting immigrants, even as tensions between state and federal authorities over sanctuary policies persist.
This exchange highlights the ongoing national debate over sanctuary cities and states, as well as the broader issue of immigration enforcement in the United States. While some states and localities continue to adopt sanctuary policies, others are pushing for stricter compliance with federal immigration laws.
As of now, Oregon appears determined to maintain its sanctuary status, setting the stage for potential legal battles with the incoming federal administration.
