Astoria, OR — Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced the launch of a new resource aimed at helping residents understand their rights under the state’s sanctuary laws. The “Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit,” developed by the Oregon Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Unit, is available online for free and provides a variety of educational materials in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and five indigenous languages.
The toolkit includes brochures, posters, social media content, and public service announcements designed to inform residents, businesses, and local governments about Oregon’s sanctuary laws and available protections. It is part of the state’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, regardless of immigration status.
“Every person has the right to live, work, play, and learn safely in Oregon, period,” said Rosenblum in a statement. “I asked my Civil Rights Unit to provide people, businesses, and local governments with easy-to-read materials to help them know their rights.”
The initiative is an extension of Oregon’s long-standing sanctuary status. The state became the first in the nation to declare itself a sanctuary in 1987, restricting state and local government cooperation with federal immigration enforcement without a court order. In 2021, Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act further strengthened these protections, establishing a statewide hotline for reporting violations and bolstering safeguards for immigrant communities.
The toolkit follows the Oregon Department of Justice’s “You Belong” campaign, which advocates for inclusive and safe environments for all people. It also complements the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission’s third annual Sanctuary Promise Report, which tracks the implementation and effectiveness of the state’s sanctuary policies.
Rosenblum stressed the importance of being prepared for potential encounters with immigration authorities, particularly for immigrant families. “Knowing your rights in advance is essential,” she said, urging individuals to have conversations about their rights and make plans for what to do in case they are confronted by immigration officials.
The toolkit’s materials are designed to be easily understood and accessible to a wide range of Oregonians, helping ensure that residents of all backgrounds are aware of their rights and can access the resources they need to protect them.
With the launch of this toolkit, Oregon continues its leadership in protecting immigrant communities and upholding the values of safety, dignity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
