Oregon’s governor put out a statement Monday in response to reports of increased ICE activity and immigration enforcement around the state.

In the statement, Governor Tina Kotek’s office mentioned reports of at least 45 detentions since October 6, along with an incident where Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrived at a fruit and vegetable processing facility in Brooks.

Her office also mentioned ICE agents’ use of tear gas to break up a crowd that was opposing their presence in a Salem neighborhood.

READ MORE | Salem Police investigate after 30 people surround and block ICE agents

After video of Saturday’s clash involving ICE agents in Salem, KATU News reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for response. They have not yet responded.

“Oregon is home to vibrant immigrant and refugee communities who contribute every day to our neighborhoods, our economy, and our shared future,” Governor Kotek said. “I expect every state agency and every local law enforcement partner to follow Oregon’s Sanctuary Law. That law is clear: state and local resources will not be used to assist federal immigration enforcement. Oregon will continue to be a place that protects access to schools, health care, housing, and small businesses so that no one is afraid to go about their daily lives.”

In January, Kotek issued an executive order convening the Interagency Council on Immigrant and Refugee Coordination, which directed state agencies to strengthen their coordination and information sharing.

The council brings together officials from state departments like health, education, and public safety to build on Oregon’s longstanding sanctuary laws, which say that no state resources can be used to facilitate immigration enforcement activities.

“Oregon’s Sanctuary Laws are clear, and everyone who calls Oregon home deserves dignity, safety, and the ability to participate fully in community life without fear. I stand with our immigrant and refugee communities and will continue pushing back on the harm and division that President Trump brings through his policies,” Gov. Kotek said.

Last week, the governor’s office said, Kotek joined Attorney General Dan Rayfield in calling for the federal administration to end the use of “mega master” hearings in Oregon. They say those hearings can put more than 100 people before an immigration judge in a single courtroom – a process that they say undermines due process and sound legal practice.

PAST COVERAGE | Reports of increased ICE enforcement stir concern across Portland metro area

On Friday, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement about the increased enforcement in Portland and other sanctuary communities across the U.S. That statement is posted in full below:

“In an effort to protect American citizens, ICE has initiated a nationwide public safety surge in sanctuary cities where our brave officers will be targeting criminal illegal aliens—many released from jails by sanctuary politicians—including murderers, rapists, child predators, and gang members.

“We are making lawful arrests of illegal aliens utilizing the same tactics we have always used within policy. Our officers are highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training. The latest ICE use of force policy is available here.”