SALEM, Ore. – Twenty of Oregon’s 36 counties have joined together in sending a letter to the U.S. Attorney General and the Oregon Attorney General, urging clear guidance on how federal and state laws interact when it comes to releasing public records related to undocumented immigrants on parole for serious crimes.
The letter follows a Declaratory Judgment action filed by Marion County on August 18, asking the court to clarify whether local governments can legally comply with federal subpoenas under Oregon’s 2021 amended Sanctuary Promise Act. The issue centers on whether parole-related records involving individuals convicted of violent crimes—such as rape, sexual abuse, kidnapping, or robbery—can be shared with federal authorities.
The counties wrote that “legal uncertainty harms everyone and benefits no one,” citing conflicts between Oregon’s Sanctuary law, the Public Records Act, and federal requirements.
Marion County Counsel Steve Elzinga said the lawsuit seeks a definitive ruling on what the law requires when federal and state policies conflict. He emphasized that Marion County remains committed to prosecuting all individuals who commit crimes, regardless of immigration status.
