Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek issued a sharp warning to federal immigration officers, declaring that the state is prepared to investigate and prosecute any federal agent who violates Oregon law while enforcing immigration policy within its borders. Her remarks came in a video posted to Instagram, where she sharply criticized the Department of Homeland Security for what she described as abusive tactics.
In the video, Kotek accused DHS personnel of engaging in "violent actions" and "stoking fear in the name of immigration enforcement," saying Oregon would not look the other way if federal officers overstepped legal boundaries. She emphasized that Oregon intends to "investigate misconduct" and hold violators accountable.
"I believe as you do, in the rule of law and keeping our community safe," Kotek said, framing her position as consistent with public safety. "We also believe in being a welcoming place, where our immigrant and refugee community help our state thrive. The ongoing violent actions of the federal Department of Homeland Security are unacceptable -- going after Oregonians, and stoking fear in the name of 'immigration enforcement.'"
The governor argued that DHS's tactics have endangered both civilians and local law enforcement. She described the conduct of federal agents as involving "excessive force, reckless tactics," which she said is "not how public safety works."
Kotek stressed that the state is actively keeping track of federal immigration operations. "Oregon is monitoring all ICE actions closely," she said. "We will investigate misconduct, and if a federal officer breaks Oregon law, they will be held accountable -- just like anyone else. I will not tolerate reckless, or unconstitutional behavior in our state."
Her criticism of federal immigration authorities is not new. In an interview with CBS News in October, Kotek accused federal agents of heightening tensions during confrontations with protesters in Portland and urged them to pull back. She said they needed to "stand back and focus on de-escalating" rather than intensifying volatile situations.
"[T]his set of demonstrations that are happening are managed by local law enforcement, as they should be," she said at the time. "People have the right to lawfully protest, but if they cross the line, they are being held accountable. If criminal activity occurs, they are being held accountable. This is what free speech looks like, and I believe the federal government can continue to do the work right here."