A Unified Call for Legal Guidance
Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin has joined 33 other Oregon sheriffs in signing a letter urging clarification on how local law enforcement agencies should respond to immigration-related subpoenas issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The letter, released Wednesday, was addressed to Marion County’s legal counsel, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. It reflects growing concern among sheriffs who say they are caught between conflicting state and federal requirements when handling records related to undocumented immigrants.
Background of the Dispute
The request follows a Declaratory Judgment action filed by Marion County on August 18, which seeks judicial clarity on whether state sanctuary laws prevent local governments from turning over parole-related records when subpoenaed by federal immigration authorities.
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The issue is particularly sensitive when those records involve individuals convicted of serious crimes, including:
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Multiple counts of rape or sexual abuse
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Kidnapping
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Robbery
While federal subpoenas typically carry the expectation of compliance, Oregon’s sanctuary law limits cooperation between local jurisdictions and immigration enforcement agencies. This has left many county officials uncertain about their legal obligations.
Sheriffs Cite Legal Uncertainty
In their joint letter, Oregon sheriffs acknowledged the “good deal of legal uncertainty” they face in trying to balance the requirements of state sanctuary protections with federal immigration demands. They called for a court decision that would provide the clarity needed to ensure local governments are complying with all applicable laws.
The letter emphasizes that without a clear ruling, sheriffs risk either violating state law by cooperating with ICE subpoenas or defying federal authority by withholding information.
Marion County Counsel Responds
Marion County Counsel Steve Elzinga welcomed the unified call for clarity, stressing that conflicting laws create significant challenges for both law enforcement and the public they serve.
“Uncertainty from conflicting laws is bad for everyone,” Elzinga said in a statement. “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.”
Next Steps
The Declaratory Judgment action filed by Marion County will now proceed through the courts. A ruling could set an important precedent for how Oregon’s sanctuary law interacts with federal immigration subpoenas, potentially shaping the responsibilities of local governments statewide.
For now, sheriffs like Hanlin and his colleagues are calling for urgent resolution. They argue that without clear legal direction, law enforcement agencies remain vulnerable to legal challenges while attempting to balance their obligations to both the state and federal governments.
