Oregon Governor Vows to Uphold Sanctuary Law as ICE Detains at Least 45 People Since Oct. 6

Oregon Governor Calls on Communities to Unite Against Aggressive Immigration Enforcement Measures as ICE Agents Ramp Up Arrest Rate

With at least 45 people detained by ICE agents in Oregon since October 6, Governor Tina Kotek has called for the community to unite against the escalating ‘harmful and aggressive’ immigration enforcement policies of the Trump administration.

Kotek pledges that Oregon will use every tool in its arsenal, and within its authority, to uphold state sanctuary protections and to support immigrant and refugee communities.

According to various news sources, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have detained people across several Willamette Valley locations since October 6, 2026. The arrests are part of a nationwide public safety operation in sanctuary cities.

Kotek Calls on State Agencies to Strengthen Coordination

Yesterday, Kotek instructed all state agencies to strengthen coordination and information sharing.

Two recent detention incidents involved ICE agents arriving at a NORPAC fruit and vegetable processing plant in Brooks last Thursday, where 300 day-shift workers were on site.

Then on Saturday, tear gas was deployed by ICE agents to disperse crowds opposed to their presence in a Salem residential neighborhood.

State Coordination and Oregon Sanctuary Protections

Under Oregon’s Sanctuary Law, no state resources can be used to facilitate immigration enforcement activities.

Meanwhile, as the detention of immigrants by ICE agents escalates, the Governor’s Office says it will continue to coordinate closely with state agencies through the Interagency Council on Immigrant and Refugee Coordination, which was established by Executive Order 26-04 in January.

The Council seeks to align protocols, ensure consistent communication, and present a unified statewide response to federal government enforcement interventions. The council consists of representatives from education, health, housing, human services, public safety, and transportation.

Governor Says She Expects State Agencies and Law Enforcement to Follow Oregon’s Sanctuary Law

“I expect every state agency and every local law enforcement partner to follow Oregon’s Sanctuary Law. That law is clear: state and local resources will not be used to assist federal immigration enforcement,” she says in a press statement.