Morning Aerial view of Oregon with Mt Hood in the background

Community Support

Sanctuary State

Font Size: + -
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

What does it mean to be a Sanctuary State?

As a sanctuary state since 1987, Oregon stands for the safety, dignity and human rights of all Oregonians. Oregon was the first state in the nation to pass a statewide law stopping state and local police and government from helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement. 

Learn more on the Oregon Department of Justice website in English or Spanish.

What does that mean in Tigard?

Tigard Police are here to help all people. Officers do not coordinate with ICE, ask questions about immigration status or enforce immigration laws. 

If you need help, call 911 for emergencies or 503-629-0111 for non-emergency situations. Officers who speak Spanish and translation services for other languages are available for free.

In this video, Chief Jamey McDonald explains the role of local law enforcement officers and how it’s different from federal authorities. Watch in English or Spanish.

How do I know if the officer(s) I see are from Tigard Police or ICE?

You can clearly identify Tigard Police officers by their uniforms and patrol cars in these ways:

  • It says TIGARD POLICE on the back of their uniform.
  • They have a Tigard badge on the front of their vest and a Tigard patch on their arm.
  • Their patrol cars say Tigard Police on the side and back. 
A police officer is seen from behind, seated at a desk. The back of the officer’s vest displays a black patch with bold white text reading 'TIGARD POLICE.' A coiled radio earpiece runs over the shoulder. A close-up image of a gold Tigard Police Department badge with blue lettering, an eagle at the top, and a circular center emblem. The badge includes the words 'Officer,' 'Tigard Police Department,' and 'OR,' along with an established date. A close-up of a police uniform shoulder patch. The patch is blue with yellow trim and lettering, reading 'POLICE TIGARD OR,' and features a graphic of buildings and greenery. A close-up of a police uniform shoulder patch. The patch is blue with yellow trim and lettering, reading 'POLICE TIGARD OR,' and features a graphic of buildings and greenery. A black Tigard Police SUV is parked in a lot. The vehicle has police markings, including the department patch graphic and '911 Emergency.' Fall foliage and wet pavement are visible.


If you have any questions about verifying that a Tigard officer is, in fact, a Tigard officer you can call 911 or non-emergency at 503-629-0111.

Spanish brochure available: Aprenda más sobre cómo identificar a los oficiales de Tigard en este folleto .

A City of Tigard official wearing a jacket with the city logo speaks outdoors in a public plaza.

FAQs

Can city officials or police stop ICE from coming to Tigard?
No. Local authorities cannot prevent federal immigration enforcement from carrying out operations in Tigard. 

Can you warn the community when ICE is coming or where they plan to be?
No. Local police are not provided any advance information about ICE operations or planned locations. Because local police do not coordinate with ICE, local officers are generally not even aware of these operations.

Can you confirm ICE activity?
No, for the reasons above. Because local police do not coordinate with ICE, local officers are generally not even aware of these operations, even after they have taken place. We have no way of confirming ICE activity in Tigard.

What should I do if I see ICE activity?
Please remember that ICE officers are federal law enforcement officers who are governed by federal laws and policies and are working in their official capacity. As with any police situation, please do not interfere, for your safety and the safety of others.  

Are there exceptions when local police would help ICE?
If Tigard Police were called to help with a life safety issue, officers would respond. Even in that unlikely scenario, officers would help with life safety but not with immigration enforcement.