{"id":4550,"date":"2025-12-17T15:04:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T15:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oregonlawcenter.org\/?p=4550"},"modified":"2026-01-08T13:28:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T13:28:16","slug":"oregon-jails-must-stop-violating-our-state-sanctuary-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oregonlawcenter.org\/es\/oregon-jails-must-stop-violating-our-state-sanctuary-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Oregon Jails Must Stop Violating Our State Sanctuary Law"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n

Oregon’s sanctuary law was passed with bipartisan support to stop racial profiling and keep law enforcement focused on community safety by prohibiting the use of state local resources for federal immigration enforcement. It has been in place for nearly 40 years\u2014through seven presidential administrations, both Democrat and Republican. And voters overwhelmingly supported it on the statewide ballot in 2018.<\/p>\n\n

But some Oregon jails are using profitable US Marshals contracts to hold people for immigration purposes. US Marshals use local jails to hold people who have been charged with immigration crimes, even after they are entitled to release, and then transfer them to ICE. This undermines due process and violates Oregon\u2019s sanctuary law.<\/p>\n\n

As ICE activity surges in our state, and immigrant Oregonians face unprecedented threats, it’s more important than ever that our local institutions follow Oregon law.<\/p>\n\n

The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

In January, the Trump administration deputized US Marshals as immigration agents, making them \u201cimmigration authorities\u201d under Oregon law.<\/p>\n\n

Local jails have contracts with US Marshals to house federal prisoners. Recent jail budgets show 58-70% increases in US Marshals contracts, likely driven by immigration enforcement.<\/p>\n\n

Documented cases show people have been held for immigration violations after they should have been set free, including one person illegally detained for 3 days after a federal judge ordered his release.<\/p>\n\n

Impact on Community<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n

“When jails ignore court orders and hold people illegally, it makes everyone less safe. People become afraid to call 911, report crimes, or seek help when they need it.”<\/em>
\u2014 Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

\n

“<\/em>Sanctuary is not just a policy \u2014 it is a moral commitment to protect our neighbors, our families, and our shared values.<\/em>“<\/em>
\u2014 Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

When Oregon\u2019s sanctuary law is disregarded, people are imprisoned illegally and have their rights violated. Families are torn apart. Trust in the legal system is diminished. Fear and anxiety increase.<\/p>\n\n

In addition, the work of organizations like the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) and the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ) is hindered by violations of the sanctuary law. PIRC and IMIrJ and the communities they serve rely and depend on the protections guaranteed by Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act.<\/p>\n\n

Every violation of the Act creates distrust, disrupts lives, and makes people afraid to seek help from public entities they should be able to trust.<\/p>\n\n

What Needs to Happen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Local jails must:<\/p>\n\n