A new political debate is growing in Oregon and across the United States. Lawmakers in Oregon are joining others across the country to stop federal immigration officers from accessing driver’s licence information stored in state databases.
They believe this move is necessary to protect the privacy of ordinary people and prevent misuse of data by immigration authorities.
How the Data Is Shared
All 50 states and U.S. territories share some of their residents’ driving information with around 18,000 state, local, and federal law-enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada.
This is done through a network called Nlets – the International Justice & Public Safety Network.
Each state decides what type of data can be shared and with which agencies. Some states limit this access, while others allow federal departments to check their databases freely.
Here’s a simple table explaining the data sharing system:
| Type of Information | Who Manages It | How It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s licence and registration data | State DMV offices | Shared with law enforcement for identification and investigation |
| Photo ID and images | DMV databases via Nlets | Used for identity verification and sometimes facial recognition |
| Query data from agencies | Nlets network | Shows how often ICE or other agencies request access |
The Numbers Behind the Concern
In the year before October 2025, Nlets handled more than 290 million data requests from agencies across the country. Out of these, about 292,000 were from ICE and over 605,000 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Only a few states — including Illinois, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and New York — have already decided to block ICE from accessing DMV data. Washington state has also restricted this access, while Oregon is currently working on a similar policy.
What the Lawmakers Are Saying
Lawmakers say blocking ICE does not mean stopping criminal investigations. States can still share driver data on a case-by-case basis if there is a legitimate need, such as a serious crime. They argue that this approach protects both public safety and personal privacy.
They also highlight an “information gap.” Many state officials do not fully understand how the Nlets network functions or how much data it shares with other agencies. Because of this lack of awareness, states might be giving away personal data without realizing the full impact.
The goal, according to the Oregon lawmakers, is simple — keep people’s data safe while ensuring law enforcement can still do its job responsibly.
Oregon’s Current Situation
The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) confirmed that it was not directly part of the lawmakers’ letter. However, it did acknowledge that Oregon State Police oversees how law enforcement agencies access DMV information.
In February 2025, the DMV received one request from the Department of Homeland Security asking for documents about three individuals. That request was denied because of Oregon’s sanctuary state laws, which prevent local agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement without proper legal process.
The Oregon State Police said it constantly reviews its policies to make sure they align with state law and best practices. The agency also works with other states to compare how data sharing is handled nationwide.
Governor Tina Kotek’s office has not yet commented on whether Oregon will officially block ICE access, but discussions are continuing among lawmakers.
Why This Matters
For ordinary people, this debate is about control over personal data. When you apply for a driving licence, you trust your state to protect your private information.
If that data is shared widely with federal agencies without consent or oversight, it raises concerns about how safe that information really is.
Blocking ICE’s automatic access would give states more control over what is shared, helping prevent possible misuse while keeping the door open for genuine law-enforcement needs.
Oregon’s lawmakers are standing with other states to protect citizens’ privacy and limit unnecessary government surveillance.
Their action aims to ensure that driver-licence data — collected for transportation and identification — is not misused for political or immigration-related purposes.
It is a call for transparency, fairness, and respect for personal rights while maintaining cooperation for real criminal investigations. As technology grows, such policies remind people that data protection and public safety must always move forward together.