PORTLAND, OR – Oregon state and local law enforcement agencies reported a dramatic surge in requests for assistance with federal immigration enforcement efforts over the past year, according to a new state report. The data indicates that federal authorities sought aid from Oregon police, sheriffs, and other public safety entities 95 times during the reporting period spanning from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025.
This figure represents a staggering 265% increase compared to the preceding 12-month period. The findings are detailed in an annual state report released this week, which tracks interactions between federal immigration authorities and Oregon’s state and local government agencies.
The significant jump in requests emerges against the backdrop of Oregon’s long-standing status as a sanctuary state. Since 1987, Oregon has maintained a state law that generally prohibits the use of state and local resources, including personnel and facilities, for the enforcement of federal immigration law.
Understanding the Data
The report, compiled by the Criminal Justice Commission, serves as a key mechanism for transparency regarding federal immigration enforcement efforts within the state. The commission is mandated by state law to collect and publish data on such interactions.
The specific number of 95 instances of federal authorities requesting assistance highlights a notable shift in the frequency of these interactions. The 265% increase underscores a considerable escalation in federal attempts to engage local resources in immigration enforcement activities within Oregon’s borders.
The reporting mechanism itself is a relatively recent development. A state law enacted in 2021 requires public agencies in Oregon to document and report attempts by federal immigration authorities to circumvent or bypass the state’s sanctuary law. These reports are then consolidated and analyzed by the Criminal Justice Commission for its annual publication.
Oregon’s Sanctuary Status Explained
Oregon was the first state in the nation to pass a statewide sanctuary law in 1987. The policy, codified in state statute, aims to create a clear separation between local law enforcement duties and federal immigration enforcement responsibilities. Proponents argue that this separation encourages immigrant communities to cooperate with local police on matters of public safety without fear of deportation based on their immigration status.
Conversely, the sanctuary status has been a point of contention in debates about immigration policy and federal-state relations. Critics argue that such policies can hinder federal enforcement efforts.
The increase in reported requests, as documented by the Criminal Justice Commission, suggests potential tension between the state’s established policy and operational priorities at the federal level.
Implications and Context
The data from the Criminal Justice Commission’s report does not detail the nature of each request or whether state and local agencies ultimately provided the requested assistance. The focus of the report is on the reporting of the attempts to enlist local help, as required by the 2021 state law.
The mandate for state agencies to report these interactions provides valuable insight into the frequency and volume of federal engagement attempts. The sharp 265% rise indicates that despite Oregon’s clear legal framework prohibiting the use of local resources for federal immigration enforcement, federal agencies are increasingly seeking collaboration or assistance from state and local partners.
The report serves as an important accountability tool, allowing policymakers and the public to monitor how frequently federal immigration authorities interact with Oregon’s government agencies and whether attempts are made to navigate around state law.
The findings, initially reported by OPB, emphasize the ongoing dynamic between federal enforcement goals and state-level policies regarding immigrant communities and the role of local law enforcement.
In conclusion, the recent state report revealing a 265% increase in federal immigration enforcement requests to Oregon law enforcement agencies over the period of June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, highlights a significant trend. This surge in requests, reaching 95 instances, occurs within the context of Oregon’s foundational sanctuary law enacted in 1987 and the transparency requirements of the 2021 reporting law managed by the Criminal Justice Commission. The data signals an intensifying interaction dynamic between federal immigration efforts and Oregon’s state and local governments.
