Marion County has filed a lawsuit asking the courts to clarify whether Oregon’s sanctuary law allows the county to provide parole-related records of four undocumented immigrants to federal authorities.
The case stems from subpoenas issued by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Federal agents requested records on four men currently on parole for serious crimes, including multiple convictions for rape, sexual abuse, and kidnapping/robbery.
County officials say they have gathered documents responsive to the subpoenas—all of which are public records that anyone could request. But Oregon’s sanctuary law restricts the use of local resources for immigration enforcement and appears to conflict with both federal law and state public records statutes.
“Obviously we want to keep dangerous people out of our community and off our streets,” said Commission Chair Danielle Bethell. “We also want to make sure the state won’t come after us if we provide the requested records to the federal administration.”
Marion County leaders say they reached out to both state and federal officials for guidance before filing the lawsuit but were left without clear answers.
“Marion County has to follow both federal and state laws, and there’s a serious lack of clarity that the courts need to resolve,” Bethell added. “We are committed to prosecuting and holding accountable anyone who commits crimes, regardless of their immigration status.”
