Baker County signs onto Marion County's request for federal court clarity on state-federal immigration conflict

Baker County joined a multi-county effort on Sept. 3, 2025 asking a federal court to clarify how Oregon's sanctuary law and federal immigration-related conditions on grants interact.

County counsel read from Marion County's complaint for declaratory relief, which states in part: "Marion County is committed to prosecuting and handling all people who commit crimes regardless of their immigration status. Agents of The United States Department Of Homeland Security issued immigration enforcement administrative subpoenas under 8 U.S.C. 1225(d) to Marion County requesting records... Oregon has passed a sanctuary law that limits the use of state and local resources related to immigration enforcement." Counsel summarized Marion County's position that because laws and obligations are unclear, the county asked the court to clarify requirements and potential liabilities.

The packet included a draft letter Marion County circulated to Oregon counties asking them to request that the parties seek a detailed federal-court opinion on how state and federal laws interact with administrative subpoenas. Commissioners noted that the Oregon State Sheriffs Association and 34 county sheriffs have already submitted a related letter urging clarity, and that Linn County had already agreed to sign.

Commissioners voted to sign the Marion County-provided letter in support of seeking judicial clarity; the motion carried by voice vote.

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County counsel will transmit Baker County's signature to Marion County and coordinate with other counties as the litigation proceeds. Commissioners said the action aims to protect county liability exposure while county offices continue to process records and subpoenas under existing law.