Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
FAQ's on Sanctuary State, ICE, and Knowing Your Rights
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FAQ's on Sanctuary State, ICE, and Knowing Your Rights
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.
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FAQ's on Sanctuary State, ICE, and Knowing Your Rights
No. 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. Federal immigration authorities are prohibited from operating private detention centers or accessing non-public spaces in jails. State and local police are prohibited from acting on non-judicial warrants (see the Oregon Department of Justice 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.
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FAQ's on Sanctuary State, ICE, and Knowing Your Rights
No. Local governments have no authority to enforce federal immigration laws unless they enter into agreements with the federal government. Without a voluntary agreement, a local government official has no authority to enforce federal immigration law.
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FAQ's on Sanctuary State, ICE, and Knowing Your Rights
Community members can identify Washington County law enforcement patrol officers by the uniform and badges they wear. Please note that while patron officers wear uniforms, detectives and certain special police teams will wear plain clothes. All Cornelius Police officers will identify who they are when asked and do not work with federal immigration officers.
Washington County Law Enforcement Identification Guide: English | Español