Oregon Governor Kotek Defends Sanctuary Law Amid Federal Funding Threats

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has firmly defended the state's sanctuary laws in response to threats from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Trump administration, who warned Oregon and other sanctuary jurisdictions of potential legal action, funding cuts, and prosecution if they did not repeal policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Kotek rejected claims that Oregon obstructs federal immigration enforcement, citing the state's nearly 40-year-old sanctuary law which prohibits local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities in most cases, a stance supported by 63% of Oregon voters in a 2018 ballot measure. She emphasized that Oregon complies with federal law and the state's policies are rooted in constitutional principles, including the Tenth Amendment and the anti-commandeering doctrine, which prohibit the federal government from compelling state or local officials to enforce federal immigration laws. Despite the Trump administration's threats and actions, including withholding federal funding for services, Kotek maintained that no immediate changes to Oregon's sanctuary laws are necessary and that the state will continue to uphold its laws. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield echoed this stance, highlighting that the federal government is asking the state to break its own laws, and noted Oregon's history of multiple lawsuits against the administration on immigration issues. The dispute underscores the ongoing tension between federal immigration priorities under President Trump and states asserting their rights to set local enforcement policies.