Governor Kotek Rejects Federal Threats to Dismantle Oregon’s Immigration Sanctuary Policies
Threats to eradicate Oregon’s immigration sanctuary policies by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi have been dismissed by Governor Tina Kotek, who denies that public officials and law enforcement officers have violated federal immigration enforcement law.
Her response follows a letter of demand sent by Bondi’s Department of Justice to sanctuary states, cities, and counties, giving them until August 19 to respond.
And when D-Day dawned, Kotek responded.
In a letter addressed to Bondi, the Governor denies the allegation that its public officials or law enforcement officers ‘engage in conduct that thwarts federal immigration enforcement.’
As a Sanctuary State, Oregon Stands for Safety, Dignity, and Human Rights of All Its Residents
According to Oregon’s sanctuary guidance credo, the state stands for the safety, dignity, and human rights of all residents, and Kotek says that this is a policy emphatically supported by its citizens.
Responding to Bondi’s threat that immediate initiatives will be taken against sanctuary states, cities, and counties, Kotek says this is unnecessary as Oregon is in compliance with federal law, and will continue to be so.
Her views are endorsed by Keith Wilson, the Mayor of Portland, a sanctuary city. In his reply to Bondi, Wilson says Portland complies with federal immigration law and will continue to do so.
Bondi Warned Sanctuary Jurisdictions To Stop Hampering Federal Immigration Enforcement
In her letter to sanctuary jurisdictions, Bondi stated that actions hampering federal immigration enforcement ‘ends now,’ and orders replies by August 19 to confirm ‘your commitment to complying with federal law.’ She also called for details of immediate initiatives against laws, policies, and practices that impede immigration enforcement.
Nationwide protests have taken place in recent weeks against federal enforcement acts on immigrants. In Oregon, a parent was arrested when dropping off her child at a Beaverton preschool, while other arrests were made at a Yamhill County vineyard and a Woodburn farm.