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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Oregon Governor Issues Executive Order Meant To Solidify State's Sanctuary Status

Chris Lehman
/
Northwest News Network
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signs an executive order on immigration policies at the State Capitol in Salem.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order Thursday meant to counteract President Trump's recent directives on immigration. The Democrat also announced a possible lawsuit against Trump’s actions.

Oregon's 30-year-old sanctuary law bans state and local law enforcement agencies from arresting people solely on the basis of their immigration status. Brown's executive order supports that and bans state agencies from treating people in the country illegally any differently based on their immigration status.

Brown said that doesn't routinely happen, but she said it's important to make a statement against the president's immigration policies.

"If we believe in equality and democracy, if we believe in law and justice, then each of us, when we see or believe errors are being made, has an obligation to make every effort to correct them,” the governor said.

Brown's order also prohibits state agencies from assisting the federal government if the Trump administration establishes a religious registry. And it asks Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to explore ways to challenge Trump's executive order in court.