Ashland Mayor Joins Gov Kotek in Demand to Pause Federal Immigration Actions

SALEM, Ore. (Feb 15, 2026) — Tina Kotek and 31 Oregon mayors, including Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham, have sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s border czar, calling for an immediate halt to federal immigration enforcement actions in Oregon pending investigations into recent use-of-force incidents.

“We demand an immediate halt to federal immigration enforcement actions in Oregon until thorough investigations of use-of-force incidents in Minneapolis, in Portland, and all other use of force incidents by federal agents are thoroughly investigated and those involved are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Governor Kotek and Oregon Mayors wrote in the letter.

The letter cites recent federal enforcement actions in Minneapolis and Portland and raises concerns about the impact of those incidents on civil liberties and public trust. The signatories state that enforcement activities should pause until investigations are completed and any findings are addressed.

The leaders wrote that state and local law enforcement agencies play a central role in public safety and have developed relationships through community-based policing. They said federal actions conducted without coordination with local partners can affect those relationships.

The letter also states that current enforcement practices are affecting Oregon communities, including families who may avoid schools, health care services, workplaces and businesses due to concerns about immigration enforcement.

The officials reaffirmed Oregon’s Sanctuary Law and said the state will continue to direct its resources toward public safety priorities established at the state and local levels. The letter includes a message to immigrant and refugee communities, stating: “you belong here, and Oregon stands with you.”

Supporters of continued federal enforcement actions, including officials aligned with President Donald Trump’s administration, have argued that immigration enforcement is necessary to uphold federal law and maintain border and public safety. They have argued federal officers are authorized to carry out enforcement operations nationwide and that investigations into use-of-force incidents are handled through established federal oversight processes.

Some critics of Oregon’s Sanctuary Law contend that limiting cooperation between state and federal authorities can hinder immigration enforcement efforts and create inconsistencies between state and federal policy. They argue that federal agencies have a responsibility to enforce immigration laws regardless of state positions.

The letter was sent to the Department of Homeland Security and the Trump administration. It follows a Jan. 30 executive order and discussions with community leaders, including a roundtable convened by the governor to address immigration enforcement concerns.