We are aware that federal immigration enforcement activities are occurring in Salem and in the surrounding community. As these actions continue to happen, we know there is much anxiety and uncertainty for our community members.

We stand with everyone in Salem who is concerned, fearful, or grieving. We are committed to ensuring that no one feels isolated, and to do all that is within our power to protect dignity, fairness, and the rule of law.

Salem complies with Oregon Sanctuary Promise law enacted in 1987, and does not enforce federal immigration law or assist federal agencies in carrying out immigration enforcement. City funds, personnel, and equipment are prohibited from being used for this purpose.

The City values and promotes fairness and inclusion, and believes that everyone should be treated with compassion and respect, regardless of national origin or citizenship status. Our priority remains public safety and maintaining trust with all residents, regardless of immigration status.

What actions has the City of Salem taken to embrace Oregon’s sanctuary status?

In 1997, the Salem City Council adopted Council Policy A-9 implementing Oregon sanctuary law by ensuring that no City employees or City funds are used to assist federal agencies in immigration enforcement and limiting the collection of personal information regarding citizenship, except as required by law.

In 2017, adopted Resolution No. 2017-22 supporting Oregon sanctuary law, and declaring Salem as an Inclusive City that embraces, celebrates, and welcomes its immigrant and refugee residents and their contributions to the collective prosperity of the community.

At its December 1, 2025 meeting, the Salem City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-33, declaring a state of emergency due to the impacts of federal immigration enforcement actions in the Salem community and setting forth actions the City should take to address such impacts.

Where can I learn more about Oregon’s Sanctuary Law?

The Oregon Department of Justice is the source for all information about Oregon’s Sanctuary Law. See DOJ’s Sanctuary Promise website. Oregon’s sanctuary laws are codified under ORS 180.805 », 180.810 », and 181A.820 to 181A.829. The laws are very specific and grant certain exceptions depending on the government agency involved and the exact situation of the involved person. Key points:

• Oregon public bodies and law enforcement agencies cannot inquire about immigration status or be involved in federal immigration enforcement efforts-except as required by state or federal law, services, benefits, or other opportunities cannot be denied to any person who is in custody based on immigration status.
• Individuals do not have to share and should not be asked for information about country of birth, immigration, or citizenship status by state or local law enforcement or government agencies. There are exceptions.

Who can enforce federal immigration law in Salem?

Enforcement of federal immigration law is the sole responsibility of the federal government. Oregon law prohibits the state and local government, and their employees from assisting federal agencies with immigration enforcement. Federal law also prohibits the City from interfering with federal immigration enforcement.

What are your rights under Oregon’s Sanctuary law?

Per DOJ’s Sanctuary Promise website,

• You may not be investigated or interrogated by state or local law enforcement for immigration enforcement purposes.
• Your information should not be shared by state or local law enforcement to assist in detaining you or any individual for immigration purposes.
• All requests from federal agencies to state or local government agencies or law enforcement about immigration enforcement without a judicial order should be documented, reported and denied by the local agency receiving the request.
• State law prohibits law enforcement from arresting you in a court facility, or while you are traveling to or from court, with any immigration warrant except a judicial warrant or order signed by a judge (for more information about different types of warrants, see our Glossary). This provision may not be enforceable against federal immigration authorities.
• State or local law enforcement or public agencies must refuse and reject collaboration with federal authorities for immigration enforcement purposes, including setting up traffic stops or traffic perimeters to enforce federal immigration laws/orders.

How does this work at Salem Police Department?

The law in Oregon is unambiguous: all police officers in our state are barred from assisting federal authorities with immigration enforcement, except in very narrow circumstances, such as when required by a valid court order.

In some communities, license plate camera readers used for police investigations have been used for immigration enforcement. The City of Salem does not use Flock systems or cameras, and the City owns and manages its own Automatic License Plate Reader camera system. Be assured that the City of Salem’s automated license plate reader system has not and will not be used for federal immigration enforcement purposes. Additionally, data from traffic enforcement cameras is also not shared with federal immigration authorities.

Beyond the Statewide legal restrictions, Salem Police policies ensure officers are never involved in immigration enforcement activities. Salem Police policies and procedures are available on our website and on-line at the Salem Police Transparency Portal.

Are public buildings protected from federal immigration activities?

Federal immigration authorities do not have the right to enter private areas of public buildings for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law unless they have a judicial warrant or other order signed by a judge.