Across the nation, Democratically-controlled legislatures are trying to challenge the federal government’s mass deportation efforts by introducing bills to restrict U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ activities in their states. During a panel discussion ahead of the 2026 legislative session, which kicks off on Monday, Oregon Democratic leaders made it clear that resisting the Trump administration’s agenda will take center stage in Salem. I don’t think anyone wants that,” Elmer, a McMinnville lawmaker, said. We have seen such an uptick in criminals, in cartel, in human trafficking in this state that we need to do something. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, also weighed in, saying federal enforcement activity and where it is happening is concerning.