Oregon
A high-level overview of immigration enforcement activity, school protection policies, and resources for families and educators in Oregon.
Overview
State context
Oregon has strong state-level protections. The Oregon Sanctuary Law (ORS 181A.820), in place since 1987, prohibits state and local law enforcement from using public resources to enforce federal immigration law. Voters rejected a ballot measure to repeal it in 2018. Multiple school districts have adopted formal protective policies. The state's approach has survived significant federal pressure.
ICE activity
ICE operates in Oregon despite the state's non-cooperation, conducting enforcement operations in the Portland metro, Salem, and in agricultural communities in the Willamette Valley and eastern Oregon. The state's non-cooperation limits information sharing but does not stop enforcement.
School policies
Portland Public Schools, Beaverton School District, and multiple other Oregon districts have adopted policies requiring judicial warrants before immigration enforcement access is granted. The Oregon Department of Education has issued guidance supporting protective school policies. The state's existing sanctuary law provides a strong legal foundation.
Notes for advocates
Oregon's Willamette Valley has a significant agricultural immigrant workforce, and communities like Woodburn (a majority-Latino city) have been at the center of advocacy efforts. Portland's active progressive advocacy community has pushed for strong school protections. The state is a model for durable sanctuary protections that have survived multiple political cycles.
Is your district protected?
Find out whether your school district has a warrant-based policy in place, and what you can do if it doesn't.