Sanctuary Laws and Immigration Resources
Oregon Department of Justice
Federal Oversight and Accountability Reporting Form- If you have concerns or information about possible actions that may violate individual rights or raise legal or constitutional concerns you may share them through this form.
Sanctuary Promise Violations Hotline- Everyone has the right to live safely in Oregon. Oregon’s sanctuary laws promise safety, human rights, and dignity for all. If you or someone you know was targeted in violation of Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws, please call 1-844-924-STAY/1-844-6-AMPARO or report online.
Sanctuary City
On November 10, 2025, the Forest Grove City Council declared a State of Emergency within the city limits of Forest Grove, effective until December 31, 2025, unless extended. The declaration allows the city to take all lawful actions to coordinate emergency responses and recovery and allocate up to $50,000 to support community-based organizations assisting Forest Grove residents affected by federal immigration actions.
During the January 12, 2026 City Council Meeting, the council passed Ordinance 2025-04, making the City of Forest Grove a Sanctuary City. The State of Emergency was also extended until December 31, 2026.
At the January 26, 2026, City Council meeting, Council reached consensus to send a letter to the Office of the Attorney General requesting guidance on how Oregon cities should respond to the presence and actions of federal immigration enforcement within their communities. On January 29, the Oregon Attorney General responded.
The City of Forest Grove is committed to living its values as a welcoming city for all individuals; a community that accepts and support all persons, regardless of race, color, national origin, immigration or refugee status, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, mental and physical ability, veteran status, or age.
The City affirmed this commitment by passing an Inclusive Community Resolution 2017-21 on February 13, 2017. Resolution 2017-21 also states the City will continue to comply with all state laws prohibiting the use of funds, personnel, and equipment to enforce federal immigration law.
Oregon's Sanctuary Promise | Oregon State Law ORS 181A.820
Resources
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution.
Forest Grove Police Department
Forest Grove School District
Safe and welcoming schools. The Forest Grove School District is unwavering in its belief that every student has the fundamental right to learn in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. More Information.
Know Your Rights
- This resource toolkit is intended to offer a path toward security, ensuring that individuals know they have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status.
- Digital version in English | Versión Digital en Español
Oregon Law Center (OLC) and Latino Network's Family Preparedness Packet
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
- Red Cards
- Red Cards are also available for free at the Forest Grove Library, 2114 Pacific Ave.
Local Resources
Additional Resources
- SOAR Immigration Legal Services
- PIRC (Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition) at 1-888-622-1510
- Additional resources can be found on Washington County's website.
- Washington County Law Enforcement Council Statement
- Santuary County Brochure
Frequently Asked Questions
The State of Oregon became a Sanctuary State in 1987. The Sanctuary Promise Act HB 3265 was passed to strengthen existing sanctuary laws in 2021. Oregon State Law ORS 181A.820 does not allow law enforcement agencies to use money, equipment, or personnel to detect or apprehend people whose only violation of law is that they are citizens of a foreign country who are in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. Forest Grove Police Officers and staff will not inquire about immigration status.
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.
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.