We know that law enforcement seeks to protect all community members in Oregon so that individuals and families can live healthy, safe, and productive lives. As a sanctuary state since 1987, the Oregon legislature passed several statewide laws, with overwhelming bipartisan support, prohibiting state and local law enforcement and government from involvement in federal immigration enforcement (ORS 180.805 », ORS 180.810 », ORS 181A.820 et seq »).

Oregon DOJ’s Sanctuary Promise Law Enforcement Toolkit provides you with:

• Law Enforcement Bulletin – A general review of Oregon’s sanctuary laws and law enforcement obligations and prohibitions under the laws.
• The Updated Law, 2021’s HB 3265 » – A link to the full text of 2021’s Enrolled House Bill 3265, also known as Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act.
• Training Memorandum regarding State Law Restrictions on Immigration Enforcement » – Oregon Association Chiefs of Police » and Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association » published this memo in January 2025.
• FAQs coming soon! – A list of Frequently Asked Questions to help guide your compliance with Oregon’s sanctuary laws, whether you’re agency leadership or out on patrol.
  • Sample Administrative Warrant
  • Sample Judicial Warrant
  • Sample Arrest Warrant not Compliant with Oregon sanctuary laws
• Easy to Read Overview for LE – A quick access overview of prohibitions related to immigration enforcement under Oregon’s laws.
• Notice to Arrested and Detained Adults Pursuant to ORS 181A.823 – ORS 181A.823(3) requires a law enforcement agency to provide notice to an individual on their commitment or detainment about their right to refuse to disclose their nationality, citizenship, or immigration status information, and that disclosure may result in civil or criminal immigration enforcement consequences. By statute, notice must be in writing and in the person’s preferred language.  We have provided this sample notice to help you comply with the law.
• Suggested Language for Law Enforcement – A review of helpful language and demeanor tips to use when interfacing with victims of and witnesses in compliance with Oregon sanctuary laws.
• Denial of Request for Information – ORS 181A.826 requires a law enforcement agency to decline any request from a federal agency that relates to immigration enforcement, other than requests received via a judicial subpoena. (There may be an additional consideration under ORS 181A.823(1)(c)(B).) This is a sample declination letter for law enforcement, jails, intake staff, and records department staff to send to the federal agency.
• Required Reporting to Oregon Criminal Justice Commission » – For law enforcement and public bodies only!  This is the link to CJC’s reporting form.  ORS 181A.826(3) requires public bodies that receive a communication or request for information, access, or assistance from a federal agency, other than a judicial subpoena, that relates to immigration enforcement to:
  • 1. Decline the request,
  • 2. Document the details,
  • 3. Report the request to the agency director or other similar management personnel,
  • 4. Report the details and your agency’s response to the Criminal Justice Commission at least monthly.
  • These slides » review what information CJC’s public body reporting form requires.
  • Community Reporting Options for Violations of the Sanctuary Promise Act: 1-844-924-7829 (English, Español, any language)
• Local governments that use outdated policies that do not comply with Oregon’s sanctuary laws may be sued.  In Rural Organizing Project and Community Alliance of Lane County vs. The City of Cottage Grove (23CV07691), the court issued an injunction » in February 2024. The litigation determined that the City of Cottage Grove’s policies, practices, and actions violated Oregon sanctuary laws, and the template policy regarding immigration enforcement in current use in many law enforcement agencies around the state, and used by Cottage Grove Police Department before July 2023, violates Oregon’s sanctuary laws.  Law Enforcement Agency policy points of contact or agency counsel should review and update agency immigration policies, protocols, practices, and training materials to ensure agency and all personnel, sworn and unsworn, on or off duty, are in compliance with these important laws.

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 ».