You may have seen the recent media coverage regarding a parent being detained by federal immigration officials during a child drop off for preschool here in Oregon. Governor Tina Kotek responded to the incident with remarks on social media. We know this incident has understandably created fear or concern among child care providers and the community; children and families should be able to feel safe and supported when they come to their early childhood programs.
Oregon sanctuary laws mean that state-level resources cannot be used to enforce federal immigration law. They ensure that everyone in our state can live, work, go to school, and access government services without fear of discrimination or unnecessary inquiries into their personal background. These laws also guarantee that public agencies, including DELC, focus on what matters most: supporting children, families, and providers.
As a reminder, DELC has implemented an internal Incident Response Team (IRT), and we are continuing to monitor and track issues related to federal changes as they arise. DELC has created this page as a source of information for the public regarding ongoing federal developments. There you’ll find the Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies for Early Childhood Programs. We have also shared Sanctuary Promise resources available in English and Spanish, which provides the names of several organizations that provide immigration supports.
At DELC, we believe it’s important for every child, family, and provider to feel safe, respected, and supported. Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission, vision, and values – your work is more important than ever. Together, we can continue to make Oregon a place where every child and family can thrive.
For more information regarding Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws and how it is implemented within state agencies, please visit https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/civil-rights/sanctuary-promise/
For suspected violations of Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws, the Oregon Department of Justice has a “Sanctuary Promise Hotline” where anyone can report, receive support, or be connected to resources.
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