Governor Kotek Reaffirms Commitment to Immigrant and Refugee Communities Amid Increased ICE Activity

Salem, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek called on Oregonians to stand united as the Trump administration escalates harmful and aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities across Oregon. She also directed state agencies to strengthen coordination and information sharing.

Oregon news media and community organizations have reported a notable increase in daily detentions by ICE, with at least 45 detentions since October 6. On Thursday, ICE arrived at a NORPAC fruit and vegetable processing facility in Brooks, where 300 day-shift workers were on site. On Saturday, ICE used tear gas in a Salem residential neighborhood to disperse crowds opposed to their presence.

“Oregon is home to vibrant immigrant and refugee communities who contribute every day to our neighborhoods, our economy, and our shared future,” Governor Kotek said. “I expect every state agency and every local law enforcement partner to follow Oregon’s Sanctuary Law. That law is clear: state and local resources will not be used to assist federal immigration enforcement. Oregon will continue to be a place that protects access to schools, health care, housing, and small businesses so that no one is afraid to go about their daily lives.”

On Friday, Governor Kotek shared a public message to Oregon communities feeling the direct impact of the increased ICE activity, distributed through partner organizations, social media, and Spanish-language news outlets. The message reiterates her commitment to stand up for Oregon values and highlights resources available to help individuals understand and exercise their due process rights. The Governor’s message can be viewed on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Governor’s Office continues to coordinate closely with state agencies through the Interagency Council on Immigrant and Refugee Coordination, established by Executive Order 26-04 in January. The Council brings together leaders from human services, health, education, housing, transportation, and public safety to ensure consistent communication, aligned protocols, and a unified statewide response to federal immigration enforcement actions. Through this work, state agencies are reminded that no state resources may be used to facilitate immigration enforcement activities, including the staging of ICE operations, in accordance with Oregon’s Sanctuary Law.

Governor Kotek continued: “Oregon’s Sanctuary Laws are clear, and everyone who calls Oregon home deserves dignity, safety, and the ability to participate fully in community life without fear. I stand with our immigrant and refugee communities and will continue pushing back on the harm and division that President Trump brings through his policies.”

Last week, Governor Kotek joined Attorney General Dan Rayfield in calling for the federal administration to end the use of “mega master” hearings in Oregon, which sometimes bring more than 100 individuals into a single courtroom before one immigration judge, a process which undermines due process and sound legal practice.

Oregon will continue to monitor developments closely, strengthen coordination with community partners, and use every tool within its authority to uphold state sanctuary protections and support immigrant and refugee communities.

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