Medford, Oregon- The Medford Police Department is warning the public about false reports circulating in the community claiming that officers are calling residents to warn them about upcoming Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
“This information is false,” the department stated in an statement. “The Medford Police Department is not making these calls and has received no information about any ICE enforcement activity in our area.”
Officials urged residents to rely only on trusted, official sources for accurate information and encouraged anyone receiving suspicious calls or messages to contact the department directly at 541-770-4783.
“Thank you for helping stop the spread of misinformation,” the statement added.
The warning comes amid heightened community concerns and confusion around immigration enforcement. The Medford Police Department clarified that it does not participate in immigration enforcement activities beyond what is required by state and federal law. Oregon law, specifically ORS 181A.820 through ORS 181A.826, limits cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities.
Under these statutes, MPD does not use local resources to investigate potential immigration violations, nor does it detain individuals based solely on immigration status or civil detainers such as ICE warrants or administrative subpoenas. Any ICE request must be denied, documented, and reported to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.
According to the department, there are a few narrow exceptions under which MPD may interact with ICE: requesting information to support a local criminal investigation, arresting someone under a federal criminal immigration warrant signed by a judge, or providing public information in response to a court-issued subpoena.
During all local enforcement activity, including traffic stops, officers will follow standard procedures, such as requesting driver’s licenses and insurance, and issuing citations or making arrests for violations of state law or municipal code. According to Medford Police Policy 425, officers conduct “equal enforcement of the law and equal service to the public.”
The department emphasized its commitment to serving the community with professionalism, respect, and fairness.
“It is the mission of the Medford Police Department (MPD) to provide visible, impartial, high-quality law enforcement services to reduce crime and the fear of crime as we work in partnership with the community to create a safe environment in Medford,” the department stated.
MPD also highlighted its officer training, which includes monthly sessions on conflict resolution, diverse community engagement, and crisis response. The department emphasized they have maintained a Cultural Outreach Coordinator for 25 years and a Community Engagement Community Service Officer to support communication with residents.
Officials encouraged community members to reach out to local service providers for additional resources, including the UNETE Center for Farm Worker and Immigrant Advocacy and The Center for Non-Profit Legal Services.
For additional information or assistance, residents are asked to contact the Medford Police Department at 541-770-4783.
Source: MPD
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