Oregon governor rejects Bondi’s demand to end sanctuary protections
Attorney General Pam Bondi recently received a response from Oregon Governor Tina Kotek regarding Bondi’s concerns over the state’s “sanctuary” legislation. Kotek, a Democrat, stated that Oregon does not engage in conduct that hinders federal immigration enforcement, despite being the first state to pass a sanctuary state law back in 1987.
The original sanctuary state law was introduced by State Rep. Rocky Barilla and signed by Gov. Neil Goldschmidt to address concerns about police profiling Latinos based on their immigration status. Kotek emphasized that Oregon officials and law enforcement have not violated federal immigration law in the nearly 40 years since the law was enacted.
In her response to Bondi, Kotek highlighted that a 2018 ballot measure to repeal portions of Oregon’s federal immigration enforcement law was rejected by 63% of voters. She also mentioned that the state law was revisited and strengthened in 2021, with Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum affirming the state’s commitment to the safety, dignity, and human rights of all Oregonians.
Kotek cited the Anticommandeering Rule as legal precedent, stating that the federal government cannot force states to administer federal programs. She reassured Bondi that Oregon is in compliance with federal law and will continue to follow state law, emphasizing that no immediate initiatives are needed to eliminate laws that impede immigration enforcement.
The ongoing debate between Bondi and Kotek comes as an Oregon federal judge prepares to rule on a significant immigration case involving a Guatemalan asylum-seeking farmworker who has been deported twice. The judge will decide whether the individual can be released from federal custody and remain in the country, despite his prior deportations.
As the legal battle continues, it is clear that the issue of sanctuary laws and immigration enforcement will remain a contentious topic in Oregon and beyond. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
