Oregon Senate Democrats voted 18-12 to defeat a minority report that would have required state officials to notify ICE before releasing illegal immigrants convicted of violent felonies. The active SB 1594 instead directs the state Department of Justice to work with the Office of Immigration and Refugee Advancement to update model policies. Supporters said the notification would enable smoother federal custody transfers; Republicans argued the vote undermines public safety and public opinion. Lawmakers remain divided over how best to balance enforcement, prison operations and civil-rights concerns.
Oregon Senate Rejects Proposal To Notify ICE Before Release Of Violent Offenders
Oregon Dems block effort to alert ICE before illegal immigrant murderers are released
Oregon Senate Democrats voted along party lines to defeat a minority report that would have required state officials to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when an illegal immigrant convicted of a violent felony was nearing release from prison. The measure was attached as a minority report to Senate Bill 1594 and was rejected 18-12, with one senator excused.
What Was Proposed
The minority report would have directed state agencies to inform federal immigration authorities in advance of the scheduled release of an individual convicted of a violent offense, such as murder, enabling ICE to take custody without mounting large-scale enforcement operations in jurisdictions that are less cooperative with federal authorities.
Current Bill And Opposition
The active version of SB 1594 instead requires the Oregon Department of Justice to consult with the state Office of Immigration and Refugee Advancement to update model policies for immigration-related facilities. Supporters of the minority report argued that prior notification would protect public safety and streamline federal custody transfer; opponents said the change would not align with the state's policy approach and raised concerns about prison operations and civil-rights implications.
ICE agents deploy measures in Portland, Ore., in February 2026.(Getty Images)
Statements From Lawmakers
"If the federal government wants to be serious about taking care of that business, then that’s the place you should be," said State Sen. Mark Meek (D–Oregon City), defending his vote and arguing ICE should conduct enforcement outside prison facilities rather than inside.
State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr (R–Dundee) called the proposal "as common sense as common sense gets," and Sen. Mike McLane (R–Powell Butte) said the vote effectively leaves violent offenders who lack legal status in the state upon release.
Background
Oregon’s corrections agency previously tracked inmates’ immigration status for felony convictions but reportedly has not run such checks since 2022 after a 2021 law limited tracking of ICE detainers. The Senate Republican minority issued a statement saying the vote runs "contrary to the clear will of Oregonians and Americans across party lines," citing polls that they say support removal of noncitizens convicted of serious crimes.
Fox News Digital reported that outreach was made to Oregon Senate President Robert Wagner (D–Lake Oswego) and Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama (D–East Portland) for comment.
What Happens Next
With the minority report defeated, SB 1594 will proceed in its active form focusing on policy consultation and model policy updates rather than a mandatory notification requirement to federal immigration authorities prior to release.
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