Some hospitals and health care settings are public bodies. Oregon’s sanctuary laws apply to those settings, just as they would to any other public body. However, some hospitals and healthcare settings are private entities, and the sanctuary laws generally do not apply directly to private entities.

Sensitive areas—such as schools, houses of worship, and hospitals—are not protected under Oregon law.

Be aware that as of January 2025, ICE and federal immigration authorities may seek to take actions in sensitive areas like schools, houses of worship, and hospitals.  On January 20, 2025, the federal government rescinded an October 2021 U.S. Department of Homeland Security policy memo » that protected certain essential service areas—such as schools, houses of worship, and hospitals—from immigration enforcement, replacing it with an unreleased directive that gives ICE agents authority to take enforcement actions in any of these spaces.  Here is the U.S. DHS press statement » regarding the new directive.

The National Immigration Law Center has published a fact sheet » with more information about safety and rights in these spaces.

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 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».