Counties Across Oregon Question If Sanctuary Laws Shield Immigrants on Parole for Violent Crimes

Twenty of Oregon’s 36 counties have united to send a letter to the U.S. and state Attorney Generals for clarification of their legal obligations to turn over parole-related public records of alleged undocumented immigrants on parole for serious crimes.

Their action follows the Declaratory Judgment action filed by Marion County on August 18, seeking legal clarity for sharing information of serious crimes such as multiple rape convictions, multiple sexual abuse convictions, and convictions for kidnapping and robbery.

Legal Uncertainty is Harmful to Everyone and Beneficial to No One

“It is currently unclear how Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act, Oregon’s Public Records Act, and federal laws interact and apply due to apparent conflicts, including situations where local government is served with an administrative subpoena…” state the counties, adding that legal uncertainty is harmful to everyone and beneficial to no one.

According to a news release from Marion County, this action follows a similar move in September by the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, which sent a letter seeking similar legal clarity. That letter was signed by 34 of the state’s 36 Sheriff’s Offices.

The 20 Oregon counties that signed the letter have not joined a lawsuit, just as the 34 sheriffs who signed a similar letter did not join a lawsuit.

The news release reiterates that Marion County is committed to prosecuting and holding accountable all people who commit crimes, regardless of their immigration status.