Weekly Update for May 19, 2026

• 7 detentions reported to the hotline 5/5-5/12

• 13 detentions reported to the hotline 5/13-5/19

• 4 detentions reported at Macadam ICE facility

• Counties where detentions occured 5/5-5/19: Marion, Jackson, Multnomah, Washington, Lane, King, Clackamas

• Possible Sanctuary Promise violations reported: 7 (Marion, Clackamas, Lane and Washington Counties)

Since mid March, 14 detentions that may have violated Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise have been reported to the PIRC hotline.

This means that almost 21% of detentions reported in that timeframe have occurred as someone was traveling to or from local courthouses or being released from jail.

“As a sanctuary state since 1987, Oregon stands for the safety, dignity and human rights of all Oregonians. Oregon was the first state in the nation to pass a statewide law stopping state and local police and government from helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement.  In the ensuing decades, the law was updated several times.

To strengthen existing sanctuary laws, the Sanctuary Promise Act (HB 3265 ») was passed in 2021. The Act increases safety and protection measures for immigrant communities through increased support, as well as transparency and accountability regarding government interactions with federal immigration authorities.

It is against Oregon law for state and local law enforcement or public agencies (state and local government offices) in the state of Oregon to participate directly or indirectly in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.State/local officials may not grant federal immigration authorities access to non-public spaces without a judicial warrant.  State law prohibits private entities from operating immigration detention centers.  State and local police are prohibited from acting on non-judicial warrants (see our Glossary).  The Sanctuary Promise Act requires all requests made by federal agencies to state and local law enforcement and government agencies regarding immigration enforcement without a judicial order to be documented, reported, and denied.  There may be exceptions to each of these.” (Oregon DOJ SPA website: https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/civil-rights/sanctuary-promise/)

Note: This does not apply to federal agencies; ie US Marshalls or FBI can share data on people in federal custody with ICE. This does not limit ICE’s ability to operate in Oregon, only their ability to legally collaborate with local government entities.

Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act depends on us!

Sanctuary Promise law depends on 

1. The community reporting possible violations

2. Enforcement of repercussions for those who violate the law

Action steps: 

1. If you believe you have witnessed a possible violation of Sanctuary Law, call 1-844-924-7829. **It is most helpful if a firsthand witness calls the line**

2. Please help us share this important information in a moment where we are seeing an increase in this kind of activity!

3. For more information, fliers, and multilingual videos that you can share broadly about the Sanctuary Promise Hotline, please go to https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/civil-rights/sanctuary-promise/outreach-materials-and-media/

4. And, anyone can call/email their local sheriff or to ask how their jurisdiction is working to uphold Sanctuary Laws in Oregon

This week, PIRC remembers our colleague, founding board member, and most importantly, friend: Cayle Tern

Cayle passed away unexpectedly this month and his loss has touched our entire team and the immigrant rights community in Oregon. He worked tirelessly to uplift and translate information about our rights and what to do if you see ICE in Oregon, supporting his own lu Mien community, his APANO colleagues and community, and all Oregonians. We are so profoundly grateful for how he came alongside PIRC both in our early days as an organization and recently to provide wisdom, guidance and perspective. He is, and will be, deeply missed.