BEND, Ore. — Reports of federal immigration officers in Central Oregon have sparked confusion and concern among residents, as local leaders work to confirm the details of these activities. Amid the ongoing national conversation about immigration enforcement, many in the Bend community are questioning whether recent reports of federal immigration raids are connected to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.
The City of Bend stated it has not been officially notified by ICE of any raids or immigration operations taking place within the city limits. Local law enforcement and other officials continue to emphasize that Oregon’s sanctuary status remains a key element of local policies surrounding immigration enforcement.
Since 1987, Oregon has been a sanctuary state, and in 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed the Sanctuary Promise Act. The law is designed to enhance protections for immigrants and limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. According to the official ICE website, Oregon law prohibits county and law enforcement officials from sharing non-public information related to individuals in the local jail system, including release dates, with ICE.
Deschutes County Sheriff Kent Van der Kamp addressed growing fears within the community, reaffirming that his office does not cooperate with ICE. In a statement, Sheriff Van der Kamp said, “The Deschutes Sheriff’s Office does not and cannot inquire about citizenship documents, status, or share such information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These provisions are embedded in the DCSO policy manual and are essential to ensuring that our practices respect the rights and dignity of all individuals.”
Furthermore, the sheriff noted that the Deschutes County Jail accepts inmates only for criminal charges or judicial arrest warrants signed by a judge. “DCSO will not accept or house an inmate solely for the violation of federal immigration law or detain a person with only an administrative detainer request,” Van der Kamp added.
In response to concerns regarding local schools, Bend-La Pine Schools Director of Communications Scott Maben clarified that there have been no reports of ICE agents visiting local schools. “I can confirm that we have not had ICE agents visit any of our schools, and any reports to the contrary appear to be incorrect,” Maben stated.
As the investigation into the reported activity continues, local leaders urge residents to stay informed and assured that the rights and safety of all individuals in the community will be protected. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement and state-level sanctuary policies, leaving many in Central Oregon to navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape.
