Oregon Sheriffs Say Legal Uncertainty Leaves Them ‘Stuck in the Middle’ on Parole Records for Serious Crimes

Oregon law enforcement officers, who are ‘stuck in the middle of conflicting state and federal laws,’ are seeking legal clarification on whether or not the state’s sanctuary status allows them to hand over parole-related records of alleged undocumented immigrants on parole for serious crimes.

Marion County legal counsel received a letter yesterday from the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, signed by 34 of the state’s 36 sheriffs. The letter has also been sent to the U.S. Attorney General and to the Oregon Attorney General.

Sheriffs Want to Ensure They Follow Federal, State, and Local Laws

In the letter, the sheriffs agree that legal uncertainty about the issue can only be resolved by a court decision that will assist local government in Oregon to ‘ensure they are properly following federal, state, and local laws.’

They want to know what the right thing to do is following receipt of federal subpoenas to hand over parole-related records of alleged undocumented immigrants for serious crimes such as  kidnapping and robbery convictions, and multiple rape and sexual abuse convictions.

Responding to the letter, Marion County counsel, Steve Elzinga, said legal clarity will benefit all Oregonians, especially law enforcement officers ‘currently stuck in the middle of conflicting state and federal laws.’

In a news release, Marion County is said to be ‘committed to prosecuting and holding accountable all people who commit crimes, regardless of their immigration status.’