Oregon Will Protect Every Resident — No One Can Be Targeted for Who They Are.

Cye Sterling is a trans man. He transitioned late in life at age 35. it is a choice he values and believes government should have zero say in gender identity. Trans individuals deserve the same dignity to live life as any other oregonian. that is not a debate. he will fight for his right to live without pursecution, alongside all oregonians. you should always feel safe in oregon. it is that simple and should stay that way.

Oregon has always stood for the rights and dignity of its residents. Today, federal rhetoric threatens to weaponize identity and mental health, potentially targeting marginalized groups, including transgender people, LGBTQ+ residents, and those experiencing homelessness.

Even if the federal government attempts to roll back protections, misclassify gender identity as a mental illness, or pressure states to institutionalize or discriminate, Oregon will remain a safe harbor. I’d propose a state-level civil liberties firewall, codified into Oregon law, that would:

• Prohibit involuntary detention or institutionalization based on identity (gender identity, sexual orientation, or homelessness.)
• Ensure due process protections are upheld for every resident.
• Prevent Oregon agencies from cooperating with federal efforts to target marginalized groups.

This policy ensures that being trans, LGBTQ+, or unhoused never infringes on your constitutional rights. By codifying these protections, Oregon can future-proof equality and human dignity for generations to come.

Sanctuary Protections & Accountability for Federal Agents

Oregon’s status as a sanctuary state reflects our belief that families should not live in fear and that community trust is essential to public safety. I support strengthening our sanctuary protections by ensuring that no state or local resources are used to aid in unconstitutional federal immigration enforcement. In addition, I will push for clear accountability standards for federal agents operating within Oregon, including visible identification on uniforms and a legal framework that allows the state to hold federal officers liable when they violate civil rights or state law. No one operating on Oregon soil — whether local, state, or federal — should be above the law.

How Oregon Can Enforce Accountability

In October of 2025, Portland, Oregon codified its stance as a sanctuary city, strengtheing legal protections already in effect statewide. Even though immigration enforcement is a federal function, Oregon still has full legal authority over what happens inside our borders when it comes to public safety, civil rights, and due process. Sterling supports legislation that requires federal officers operating in Oregon to comply with state-level transparency laws — such as mandatory visible identification — and that allows civil claims in state court when federal agents violate constitutional or state-protected rights.

Oregon can support its law enforcement and expect accountability from it at the same time. Our law enforement must never take part in immigration activities regardless of their own personal beliefs. We need to arm enforcement across the state with body cameras to ensure they are safe and Oregonians are also. Some law enforcement agencies have fallen behind in securing funding for this type of equipment and Oregon needs to step up and ensure this is no longer at the bottom of its priorities.

This isn’t about interfering with federal jurisdiction; it is about protecting Oregonians from unlawful detainment, harassment, or use of force. When agents operate here, they must follow our laws just like anyone else. Oregon should not be a place where unmarked federal forces can disappear people without accountability or oversight.