Hillsboro City Council Weighs Sanctuary Codification, Human Rights Office Proposal

Hillsboro, OR. — The Hillsboro City Council continued its discussion at their recent meeting on proposals to codify the city’s sanctuary protections and establish a Human Rights Office, but reached no formal decisions.

During a January 20 work session, city staff presented a proposal to incorporate Hillsboro’s sanctuary status into municipal code and policy, building on existing Oregon law that limits cooperation between local governments and federal immigration enforcement. Council members asked staff to review a codification proposal submitted as written testimony and to solicit feedback from community-based organizations before moving forward.

The Council also revisited a proposal to create a dedicated Human Rights Office, including a preliminary review of associated costs. While no consensus was reached, councilors directed staff to return to the issue after formation of the Human Rights Community Advisory Committee.

Additional topics discussed included the city’s use of automatic license plate readers and procedures for reporting interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. One councilor also requested staff explore the possibility of an eviction moratorium for regulated affordable housing units.

Looking ahead, councilors will review sanctuary codification materials at their March 3, 2026 meeting. Proposed materials and analyses will be shared with community-based organizations for input, and the Council will review the Community Advisory Committee charter and provide feedback to the City Manager.