34 of 36 Oregon Sheriffs Send Letter Agreeing on Need for Legal Clarity on ICE Immigration Subpoenas

SALEM, Ore. — Yesterday afternoon, Marion County’s legal counsel received a letter from the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association signed by 34 of 36 Sheriffs across Oregon. The letter was also addressed to the United States Attorney General and the Oregon Attorney General.

The sheriffs’ letter responds to the Declaratory Judgment action filed by Marion County on August 18 seeking clarification on whether local governments who receive federal subpoenas are allowed or prohibited under the state’s sanctuary law to turn over parole-related records of alleged undocumented immigrants on parole for serious crimes, such as multiple convictions of rape, multiple convictions of sexual abuse, and convictions for kidnapping/robbery.

Oregon’s Sheriffs “agree that there is a good deal of legal uncertainty” that needs to be resolved by a court decision “that provides the type of clarity that will help all local governments in Oregon ensure they are properly following federal, state, and local laws.”

County Counsel Steve Elzinga responded: “Uncertainty from conflicting laws is bad for everyone. Marion County seeks legal clarity that will benefit all Oregonians, especially the dedicated law enforcement officers across our state who work hard to keep us safe and are currently stuck in the middle of conflicting state and federal laws.”

Marion County is committed to prosecuting and holding accountable all people who commit crimes regardless of their immigration status.

Read the letter here.