Oregon’s capital city is embroiled in a contentious standoff between state officials and the federal government over immigration policies. Governor Tina Kotek is among a cohort of elected leaders nationwide who recently received a stern warning from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding sanctuary jurisdictions. This communication indicates that jurisdictions identified as sanctuary areas may face the loss of federal funding and potential criminal prosecution if found to be obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
In correspondence sent out on Thursday, Bondi emphasized that sanctuary policies must be reevaluated. She set a deadline of August 19 for states to demonstrate a commitment to dismantling these laws or be prepared to confront legal challenges. Expressing her stance on social media, Bondi stated, “Any sanctuary jurisdiction that continues to put illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court.”
Portland, which maintains a sanctuary policy and is listed among the jurisdictions flagged by the Department of Justice, did not comment on whether it received Bondi’s letter. Keith Wilson, the mayor, indicated that their legal team is reviewing the matter and will provide updates as necessary.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson also confirmed receipt of the warning. Both Oregon and its largest city prohibit local and state public employees from cooperating with federal agencies on immigration enforcement, thereby placing them in the spotlight of the Justice Department’s investigation of sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide.
Oregon is notable for being the first sanctuary state, having enacted its laws in 1987. Following the election of Donald Trump in 2016, Oregonians voted to uphold these laws, with state legislators subsequently reinforcing them. Currently, Oregon prevents local jails from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement for the detention of individuals.
The recent letters from the Justice Department should not be unexpected. In April, President Trump signed an executive order instructing the DOJ to scrutinize sanctuary jurisdictions and to potentially withdraw federal funds from those areas. Despite this pressure, both Governor Kotek and Mayor Wilson have publicly vowed to uphold their sanctuary policies.
Earlier this year, Portland became part of a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s funding threats towards sanctuary jurisdictions. Wilson has expressed that Portland aims to maintain its status as a welcoming community for all residents and opposes federal efforts to defund essential services.
Governor Kotek reaffirmed her dedication to Oregon’s sanctuary laws this past Friday, arguing that threats from the federal government undermine state autonomy. “We will not be bullied into doing the federal government’s job of immigration enforcement,” she asserted in her statement.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield echoed Kotek’s sentiments, recalling previous attempts by the Trump administration to revoke federal grants based on sanctuary policies. A federal court had previously ruled against those efforts. Rayfield emphasized that Oregon’s sanctuary law has coexisted with multiple presidential administrations and has been upheld by the courts.
This ongoing situation highlights the tensions between state-level immigration reforms and federal enforcement actions, raising questions about the future of sanctuary policies in Oregon and beyond.
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