Oregon’s places of worship are vital spaces where community members come together to share in one another’s most deeply held beliefs. Many of these houses of worship strive to welcome all people—no matter their immigration status—embracing diversity as a source of strength and hope rather than division. Indeed, the practice of offering sanctuary to newcomers is a deeply rooted tradition in many faith communities.

Unfortunately, the Trump Administration’s hostile immigration enforcement agenda has jeopardized this tradition. Since January 2025, the Trump Administration has aggressively pursued measures to terrorize, imprison, and deport immigrant members of our community. As part of this agenda, the Administration has made immigration arrests at sensitive locations, including schools, homeless shelters, health care facilities, and places of worship —rescinding three decades of protections against immigration enforcement in sacred spaces. 

This toolkit provides general information relevant to Oregon places of worship. It does not provide legal advice. Places of worship should consult with counsel as they develop policies and guidance for responding to immigration enforcement.