Oregon Governor Calls for Training on Sanctuary Law After Courthouse Arrest

Kotek trusts state attorney general to investigate incident that may have violated state policies.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:39pm

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A photorealistic painting of an empty government building with warm, dramatic lighting and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation about the justice system.The courthouse arrest has raised concerns about potential violations of Oregon's sanctuary law and the appropriate role of federal immigration enforcement on state judicial premises.Marion Today

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has called for all law enforcement officers to receive training on the state's sanctuary law, following an immigration arrest that occurred last month inside the Marion County courthouse. The arrest may have violated state law and judicial guidelines, and Kotek has expressed confidence that the state's attorney general will investigate the incident 'in a strong fashion'.

Why it matters

Oregon's sanctuary law prohibits state and local law enforcement from arresting or detaining people based solely on their immigration status. The courthouse arrest has raised concerns about potential violations of this law and the appropriate role of federal immigration enforcement on state judicial premises.

The details

The incident occurred last month at the Marion County courthouse, where an unspecified immigration enforcement action took place. Kotek stated that all law enforcement officers should be trained on Oregon's sanctuary law to ensure they understand the state's policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

  • The incident occurred last month at the Marion County courthouse.

The players

Tina Kotek

The Governor of Oregon who has called for training on the state's sanctuary law following the courthouse arrest.

Oregon Attorney General

The state's top law enforcement official who Kotek trusts to investigate the incident 'in a strong fashion'.

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What they’re saying

“All law enforcement officers should be trained on Oregon's sanctuary law following an immigration arrest last month inside the Marion County courthouse that may have violated state law and judicial guidelines.”

— Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon

What’s next

The Oregon Attorney General's office has stated they will thoroughly investigate the incident at the Marion County courthouse to determine if any state laws or policies were violated.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and state sanctuary policies, and the need for clear training and guidelines to ensure law enforcement respects the rights and jurisdictions established by Oregon's sanctuary law.