In a renewed push to enforce federal immigration laws, the Trump administration has named multiple Oregon jurisdictions as part of a nationwide list of so-called “sanctuary” areas. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released an updated list of 35 jurisdictions that it says limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement — and that may now face lawsuits or the loss of federal funds.
Among those listed are Oregon cities such as Portland, Beaverton, Eugene, and Hood River, along with counties including Multnomah, Washington, and Marion. The DOJ contends these jurisdictions have local policies that “impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design,” according to a statement from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Bondi said the DOJ is following through on its commitment to bring litigation against states, cities, and counties that fail to comply with President Donald Trump’s April executive order. That order reaffirmed federal supremacy in immigration matters and directed agencies to identify sanctuary jurisdictions and take action against them.
“The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country,” Bondi said.
This list from the DOJ comes just months after the Department of Homeland Security published a similar list in May, which was removed shortly afterward. DOJ officials say the current list will be used as a basis for future enforcement efforts, including lawsuits — one of which was filed recently against New York City.
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The full DOJ list includes 13 states, four counties, and 18 cities. In addition to Oregon, states such as California, Washington, and New York were included. Cities listed include Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Portland, Oregon.
White House “border czar” Thomas Homan also weighed in, saying cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration authorities could lose access to certain federal benefits or face other consequences.
Some local officials in Oregon have pushed back on the designation and the Trump administration’s stance. Portland City Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney characterized the executive order as a federal overreach intended to pressure local governments into compliance. Mayor Keith Wilson has asked city staff to comply with federal diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements to avoid jeopardizing public services, while reaffirming Portland’s commitment to protecting the rights of all residents.
Baltimore County, Maryland — also on the list — has challenged its inclusion, saying it was made in error. Other Democratic leaders across the country, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have dismissed the DOJ’s move as politically motivated. Newsom’s office called the list “another PR stunt by the federal government to scare people,” labeling it “ridiculous and meaningless.”
During a recent House Oversight Committee hearing, Democratic mayors and governors faced sharp questioning over their support for sanctuary policies and protections for undocumented immigrants. Immigration remains a polarizing issue at both the state and federal level, and the debate over sanctuary status continues to be a legal and political flashpoint.
For now, Oregon cities named on the DOJ’s list remain steadfast in their policies, even as federal pressure escalates.
