Oregon county rejects so-called 'sanctuary' laws, vows to support Trump's immigration enforcement

Douglas County has declared it will not be a sanctuary jurisdiction, splitting from the state of Oregon's controversial sanctuary policies for illegal immigrants. The county board of commissioners unanimously approved a resolution on Wednesday, expressing unwavering support for the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

The resolution took effect on July 22, according to online records.

The board of commissioners made it clear that Douglas County will support the current federal administration's various policies aimed at "strengthening national security, promoting economic prosperity, enforcing immigration laws, and ensuring the rule of law," the resolution states.

"Douglas County opposes any Oregon State law that contradicts the current federal administration and federal law," the resolution continues, explaining that that the "Board of Commissioners believes it is in the best interest of the citizens of Douglas County, and for the maintenance of public order, safety, and the equitable application of the laws, that Douglas County does not operate as a sanctuary jurisdiction and instead fully cooperate with federal authorities to the extent required and permitted by law."

Oregon has been a sanctuary state since 1987. Under the state's Sanctuary Promise Act, local and state law enforcement are prohibited from collaborating with federal immigration authorities. In 2021, Oregon strengthened the statute (HB 3265) to add additional restrictions on gathering and sharing immigration-related information with the federal government. The restrictions apply to all individuals employed in government positions.

The most controversial sanctuary policy includes the state's refusal to allow counties to comply with ICE detainers, which are official requests from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to transfer criminal illegal immigrants, who are being held in jail, into their custody instead of releasing them back into the public.

The state has repeatedly released illegal immigrants charged with serious felony crimes, including murder, kidnapping, child rape, and illicit drug distribution, into the public after refusing to notify federal authorities. Many of them have reoffended.

Numerous Oregon counties have expressed strong opposition to the Sanctuary Promise Act, but backed down from proposals following legal threats from the state. The Oregon Department of Justice told the Oregonian that it would be monitoring Douglas County for compliance, saying that county law does not supersede state law.

Douglas County, which is run by conservatives, is located in southwest Oregon and is the fifth-largest county in the state by area.

In February, the Democratic run Oregon state legislature voted against an amendment that would have required state and county jails to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in carrying out any action concerning any person convicted of a felony crime under Oregon law.

Trump's Department of Justice has threatened legal action against the state for its non-compliance with federal immigration law. Oregon Democrat Gov. Tina Kotek has repeatedly defended the sanctuary statute.