On May 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sued the state of Oregon challenging the state’s policy denying confidential license plates to federal agents. According to the complaint, in April 2026 Oregon paused issuance of confidential plates and registrations to all federal agencies. Oregon stated the pause is temporary to assess compliance with state law. A spokesman for Governor Tina Kotek noted that “State and local law enforcement are unaffected by this pause and the federal agencies that participate in the program are able to continue to use their existing unexpired plates.” While state law also allows Oregon’s transportation department to issue plates or other evidence of registration for undercover vehicles used by federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement undertaking criminal investigations, the statute does not mention immigration enforcement, which falls under civil law.  The DOJ is requesting that the court declare Oregon’s confidential plate policy unconstitutional and invalid.