Complaints About Oregon Sanctuary Law Violations Surge as Immigrants Report Being Targeted
No one should have to live in fear that a public school, hospital, or local government agency will unlawfully share their information, says Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. Neither should they fear that assistance will be given for federal immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.
Sanctuary Promise Hot-Line Reports a Dramatic Increase in Calls
Rayfield was responding to the findings of the 2024-25 Sanctuary Promise Hot-Line annual report, which showed a dramatic increase in the number of calls received from the community and reports submitted by Oregon state and local public agencies.
According to the 2024-2025 annual report, the number of reports received by the hotline increased by 276%. The total was 128 reports, of which at least 40 were reports of immigrants who had been targeted.
There were 34 formal complaints of potential sanctuary law violators, and 94 requests for information, support, or referrals. These included citizens reporting activities by ICE officials, requests for immigration resources, and information about sanctuary law in Oregon.
Law Enforcement and Public Bodies Were Asked to Cooperate With Federal Immigration Agencies
There were 104 reports to the hotline from law enforcement agencies and public bodies that were approached to cooperate with federal immigration agencies. This was a 300% increase from the previous year, targeting no less than 116 people.
The highest number of requests from federal immigration authorities was leveled at Marion County, which received 38.
Thirteen Oregon counties and local jails reported receiving 55 requests for information from federal immigration authorities, with two public agencies revealing that they complied with federal immigration requests.
The Sanctuary Promise Hotline provides trauma-informed support to targeted individuals, their families, witnesses, and whistleblowers.
The Hotline also helps the community understand the law and its limitations. In 2024, hotline staff reached more than 87,000 residents with information about their rights under Oregon’s sanctuary laws.