In a strong defense of Oregon’s long-standing sanctuary law, Gov. Tina Kotek announced on Friday that her administration will continue upholding state protections, even in the face of legal pressure from a conservative nonprofit aligned with President-elect Donald Trump.
The Washington, D.C.-based America First Legal Foundation sent a letter to Kotek just days before Christmas, warning that Oregon’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement could lead to federal prosecution and civil lawsuits. The group, founded by Stephen Miller—Trump’s former chief policy advisor—claimed that Oregon’s sanctuary status violated federal law and subjected the state to significant legal risks.
In response, Gov. Kotek remained steadfast, emphasizing that her focus would remain on advancing the priorities of Oregonians. “I stand by Oregonians’ state-guaranteed protections and civil liberties,” Kotek stated in a public statement.
The America First Legal Foundation’s letter specifically criticized Oregon’s sanctuary law, which has been in place since the 1980s, for prohibiting local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities. The foundation’s letter also referenced a case from March 2024, in which Florida officials blamed Oregon for delays in extraditing a suspect wanted for rape and sex abuse charges.
While Kotek’s office has yet to officially respond to the letter, her spokesperson reaffirmed that the governor’s position on sanctuary protections remains unchanged. The America First Legal Foundation has reportedly sent similar warnings to over 250 state and local government officials across the U.S., including several in Republican-controlled states.
Despite the pressure, Kotek’s administration appears committed to Oregon’s sanctuary law, a key component of the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. In recent years, local officials have pointed to challenges in extraditing suspects due to the law, though Kotek has shown willingness to intervene in specific cases when necessary.
As the new administration under President Trump begins its work, the debate over sanctuary laws is expected to remain a contentious issue, with Oregon steadfastly defending its legal stance.