In a strong message from Democrats, the Oregon House today passed HB 4114 to tell the federal administration that this state will not have its rights trampled. The landmark legislation establishes clear rules, transparency, and accountability for federal and out-of-state law enforcement operations conducted in Oregon.
The bill advances in direct response to increasingly aggressive and opaque federal immigration enforcement tactics that have left Oregon communities fearful and without clear protections. HB 4114 ensures that anyone operating in Oregon must follow basic standards of transparency, identification, and coordination.
“Let me be clear about what this bill does: it holds people accountable when they violate your constitutional rights in your own home,” said Rep. Lesly Muñoz (D – Woodburn), chief sponsor of the bill and representing the district with the largest population of immigrants in the state. “For the families I represent, immigrant families, working families, families that speak Spanish at the dinner table and worry when they hear a knock at the door, home means everything.”
The bill also prohibits state and local law enforcement from coordinating with federal agencies that fail to follow these rules or that target sensitive locations – such as schools, places of worship, or health care facilities – without proper authorization.
“I strongly support this necessary step to keep federal law enforcement accountable and to protect Oregonians’ fundamental rights,” said Rep. Tom Andersen (D – South Salem). “This bill is about protecting the 4th amendment which states that no one can enter your home without a valid warrant signed by a judge.”
In addition, the legislation creates a civil cause of action allowing Oregonians to seek damages when federal or out-of-state agents violate these requirements or unlawfully enter private property. Prevailing plaintiffs may recover damages, attorney fees, and additional penalties in cases involving excessive force, nighttime entries, or targeting of vulnerable individuals.
“Oregonians deserve transparency, accountability, and respect when law enforcement operations occur in their communities,” said Rep. Lamar Wise (D–SE Portland, Damascus, Boring, and Happy Valley). “This bill ensures that when federal or out-of-state agents operate in Oregon, they follow clear rules, provide notice, properly identify themselves, and respect protected spaces like schools, places of worship, and health care facilities. It strengthens public trust, protects constitutional rights, and affirms that our state has both the authority and responsibility to safeguard the people who call Oregon home.”
The bill now advances to the Oregon Senate for consideration.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
