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Wasco County to sign letter asking federal court to clarify interaction of state sanctuary laws and federal immigration actions
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Summary
The Wasco County Board of Commissioners authorized the chair to sign a letter, drafted by Marion County legal counsel, urging the federal court to issue a detailed opinion clarifying the obligations of local governments under federal and state laws after Marion County was served with subpoenas by immigration authorities.
Wasco County commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 17 to authorize the chair to sign a letter submitted by Marion County’s legal counsel asking the federal court to provide a detailed opinion in the matter of Marion County v. Kotek et al.
Commissioners said Marion County was recently served with five subpoenas from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that raised questions about the interaction between federal immigration demands and Oregon sanctuary law. Commissioners noted sheriff offices across the state — 34 of 36 — had asked for judicial guidance and that Marion County sought similar support from other counties.
The board’s motion authorized the chair to sign Marion County’s letter encouraging the parties to request a detailed federal court opinion clarifying local governments’ legal obligations. A commissioner noted the matter currently sits at the district‑court level and would fall within the Ninth Circuit if appealed.
The action authorized the letter but did not adopt a substantive position favoring one interpretation of law over another; the letter requests an authoritative opinion to resolve operational uncertainty for local law enforcement and county officials.
Formal action: motion carried unanimously to authorize the chair to sign the letter.
