Oregon’s Democratic governor has declared war on federal immigration enforcement, threatening to criminally prosecute ICE agents for doing their jobs—a dangerous escalation that could cripple legitimate law enforcement operations.
Story Highlights
- Governor Tina Kotek threatens criminal prosecution of federal agents enforcing immigration laws
- Oregon prosecutors issue joint warning letter targeting federal officers conducting lawful operations
- ICE arrests surge 550% as Trump administration restores border security enforcement
- Department of Justice calls state prosecution attempts “illegal and futile”
Oregon’s Unprecedented Attack on Federal Authority
Governor Tina Kotek issued her threat through an Instagram video on November 29, 2025, declaring Oregon would “investigate misconduct” and hold federal officers accountable “just like anyone else.” This represents an unprecedented assault on federal immigration enforcement, positioning Oregon as willing to criminally prosecute agents executing lawful immigration operations under President Trump’s restored border security policies.
The threat follows a joint warning letter issued November 25 by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and district attorneys from Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. These prosecutors indicated their intention to criminally investigate federal officers who allegedly “overstep” during immigration enforcement—effectively weaponizing state criminal law against legitimate federal operations.
Federal Enforcement Operations Under Attack
Oregon’s hostility stems from dramatically increased immigration enforcement since Trump’s return to office. Immigration advocates report a 550% increase in calls to hotlines reporting ICE stops, while Customs and Border Protection documented over 560 arrests in Portland during October alone. ICE Regional Director Camilla Wamsley set an internal goal of 30 arrests per day—double the 2024 target—reflecting the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration law.
The largest immigration operation occurred November 27 in Woodburn, detaining at least 30 individuals. ICE confirmed those arrested included individuals with criminal histories, final removal orders, or who had illegally reentered the country. This represents exactly the type of enforcement operation American voters demanded when they elected Trump to restore border security and remove criminal illegal immigrants.
Constitutional Crisis and Legal Overreach
Oregon’s threat creates a dangerous constitutional crisis by attempting to subordinate federal immigration enforcement to state prosecutorial control. The Department of Justice correctly stated that attempts to arrest federal agents performing their duties are “illegal and futile,” reflecting established precedent regarding federal sovereign immunity and constitutional supremacy in immigration matters.
State prosecutors argue federal agents violating state law during enforcement operations should face criminal charges like any citizen. However, this reasoning dangerously conflates lawful federal enforcement with criminal conduct, potentially criminalizing necessary immigration operations. Such prosecutions would establish a precedent allowing sanctuary states to effectively nullify federal immigration law through selective prosecution of federal agents.
The economic impact reveals Oregon’s misplaced priorities. While Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency over hunger and allocated $5 million to food banks, she simultaneously attacks federal efforts to remove illegal immigrants who undermine wages and job opportunities for American workers. Oregon AFL-CIO president Graham Trainor criticized enforcement operations as “immoral and cruel,” demonstrating how progressive ideology prioritizes illegal immigrants over American workers and taxpayers.
Sources:
Oregon Gov. Threatens to Investigate, Prosecute Federal Agents Enforcing Immigration Laws
Oregon attorney general, prosecutors warn federal officers that excessive force will be investigated
Oregon sees largest immigration raid under Trump 2.0 in Woodburn, group says
