Oregon Sanctuary Promise Act (HB 3265)
Signed into law: 2021
Governor: Kate Brown
Status: Active Law
Why This Bill Protects Immigrant Communities
- First state sanctuary law in the nation: Oregon was the first state to pass sanctuary protections in 1987; this act significantly strengthens those protections
- Prohibits direct and indirect participation: State and local law enforcement and public agencies cannot participate directly or indirectly in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant
- Bans immigration detention facilities: Prohibits operation of private immigration detention facilities within Oregon
- Protects against information collection: Public bodies cannot collect, use, or disclose information about citizenship status for immigration enforcement
- Prevents denial of services: Cannot deny services, benefits, or opportunities to individuals based on immigration status
- Creates civil lawsuit rights: Any person can bring civil action against agencies that violate sanctuary laws
- Establishes reporting and accountability: Requires annual reports tracking violations and requests from federal immigration authorities
- Creates Sanctuary Promise Hotline: Staffed by bilingual advocates to receive and investigate violation reports
- Protects courthouse access: Prohibits warrantless civil arrests in and around courthouses
- Comprehensive enforcement mechanism: Unlike many sanctuary laws, includes "teeth" through investigation and civil action provisions
Key Quote
"Oregon thrives when everyone can go to work, send their kids to school, and contribute to their communities, without fear that an interaction with local or state government will result in their deportation." — Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum
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