Roseburg Council To Consider Ordinance On Oregon Sanctuary Law Compliance

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Roseburg City Council is scheduled to take up a proposed ordinance Monday night that would add language to the city’s municipal code about compliance with Oregon’s sanctuary laws.

The proposed ordinance, listed as Ordinance No. 3626, would add a new section to Roseburg Municipal Code titled “Compliance with Oregon Sanctuary Laws.” The item is scheduled for a first reading during the May 11 regular council meeting.

According to the city’s agenda packet, the ordinance was prepared after recent council discussions about immigration-related issues. During an April 13 meeting, council members discussed possible impacts involving community trust, public safety and civil rights, while also noting the city’s limited authority when it comes to federal immigration enforcement. Council later directed staff on April 27 to bring back an ordinance related to Oregon sanctuary laws.

The proposal would not create a new local immigration policy, according to the city. Instead, it would place existing state law requirements into Roseburg’s municipal code by reference.

The ordinance cites several Oregon laws that generally limit the use of local public resources for federal immigration enforcement, except where required by law. The laws also include related confidentiality and compliance requirements.

If approved, the new code section would state that the City of Roseburg, along with its officers, employees and agents, must comply with Oregon sanctuary laws, including ORS 180.805, ORS 180.810 and ORS 181A.820 through 181A.829, as amended over time.

City staff said adding the language to local code would help provide clearer direction for city employees and support consistency in how immigration-related matters are handled at the local level.

No direct financial impacts have been identified, according to the agenda packet. Staff are recommending that council proceed with the first reading. No motion is required for the first reading.

The regular City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, May 11, at Roseburg City Hall, 900 SE Douglas Avenue. The meeting will also be available online through the city’s website and Facebook Live.