Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a proud lesbian (not that it matters, but she put it in the first paragraph of her website’s about section), said the state will investigate and potentially prosecute federal agents who carry out immigration enforcement actions inside Oregon.

In a video posted to Instagram, Kotek accused the Department of Homeland Security of using improper tactics and said the state would take legal action if federal officers violated Oregon law.

In her statement, Kotek said the state supports public safety while also maintaining what she described as a welcoming environment for immigrants.

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“I believe as you do, in the rule of law and keeping our community safe,” she said.

“We also believe in being a welcoming place, where our immigrant and refugee community help our state thrive. The ongoing violent actions of the federal Department of Homeland Security are unacceptable — going after Oregonians, and stoking fear in the name of ‘immigration enforcement.’”

Kotek said DHS had engaged in behavior she described as dangerous to the public.

She said the tactics used by federal officers were inconsistent with the state’s approach to law enforcement.

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“Excessive force, reckless tactics,” she said, had “put bystanders and law enforcement in danger,” which she said was “not how public safety works.”

The governor said Oregon would take steps to scrutinize arrests, detentions, and other actions carried out by federal agents.

“Oregon is monitoring all ICE actions closely,” Kotek said.

“We will investigate misconduct, and if a federal officer breaks Oregon law, they will be held accountable — just like anyone else. I will not tolerate reckless, or unconstitutional behavior in our state.”

Kotek has previously criticized federal officers deployed in Oregon during periods of unrest.

In an October interview with CBS News, she accused federal agents of escalating encounters with protesters in Portland and said local law enforcement should take the lead in managing demonstrations.

“[T]his set of demonstrations that are happening are managed by local law enforcement, as they should be,” Kotek said at the time.

“People have the right to lawfully protest, but if they cross the line, they are being held accountable. If criminal activity occurs, they are being held accountable. This is what free speech looks like, and I believe the federal government can continue to do the work right here.”

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek: ‘We’ll investigate and prosecute any federal agent who enforces immigration law here.’

Translation: A state governor thinks she can handcuff ICE.

Someone send her a copy of the Supremacy Clause because she’s about to learn the hard way. pic.twitter.com/9wQGrDVlkY

— Kim “Katie” USA (@KimKatieUSA) November 28, 2025

Kotek’s comments come as federal immigration enforcement remains a point of conflict between state officials and the Department of Homeland Security.

Oregon has previously limited cooperation with federal immigration agencies.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D) rails against DHS and warns that she’s monitoring all ICE conduct for any unconstitutional behavior.
⁰“The ongoing violent actions of the federal Department of Homeland Security are unacceptable… No government agency is above the law.”

Kotek has… pic.twitter.com/2aJyfYE8Jb

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) November 28, 2025

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