Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has directed the state's Driver and Motor Vehicles Services to cease providing undercover license plates to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, escalating a clash between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics.
The order, issued Saturday, effectively bars ICE agents from obtaining the specialized plates that allow federal vehicles to blend in with civilian traffic. Kotek's office released a statement sharply criticizing the agency's conduct.
"ICE agents have repeatedly engaged in illegitimate activities, causing unwarranted chaos, sowing fear, and damaging the relationship between law enforcement and our communities," Kotek said. "Oregon will follow state law and ensure we do not aid these unlawful immigration enforcement efforts."
The move places Oregon among a growing list of states pushing back against federal immigration operations. The Justice Department last week filed lawsuits against Oregon, Maine, Washington, and Massachusetts for refusing to issue confidential plates to federal officers. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the states' actions as discriminatory.
"By denying undercover license plates to DHS components, including ICE, while issuing them to their own state agencies, these governors are pursuing discriminatory and obstructionist policies against federal law enforcement," Blanche said. "These actions undermine federal immigration enforcement, allow dangerous criminals to escape justice, and terrorize American communities."
ICE responded by pointing to a May post on X that accused "sanctuary politicians" of endangering public safety by blocking undercover plates and access to driver records. The agency argued such measures hamper its ability to target criminal illegal aliens.
The legal battle comes amid broader tensions over immigration policy. Kotek's stance echoes actions by other Democratic governors, including New Jersey's Governor Sherrill, who was recently blocked from an ICE detention center amid protests and a hunger strike. Meanwhile, the California governor's race has seen candidates like Becerra navigate similar immigration-related controversies as they court progressive voters.
Kotek's order could face a swift court challenge. The DOJ lawsuits argue that state-level refusals violate federal supremacy by impeding lawful federal operations. Legal experts say the outcome may hinge on whether states have discretion over license plate issuance for federal agencies or if federal law compels compliance.
Oregon officials have not indicated whether they will fight the lawsuit or seek a compromise. The DMV has not publicly commented on the governor's directive beyond confirming its implementation.
