Polk County signs letter asking state and U.S. attorneys general to clarify conflict between immigration enforcement and Oregon sanctuary law

The Polk County Board of Commissioners voted to sign a letter of support with Marion County asking the Oregon attorney general and the U.S. attorney general to provide clarity on potential conflicts between federal immigration enforcement authority and Oregon's sanctuary law, county staff said.

"It doesn't request any form of relief one way or another, simply asking for... a clarified nuance position," said Mister Smith, who presented Marion County’s request and described a declaratory relief action Marion County has filed in federal court. Smith told the board the action seeks judicial guidance about how federal administrative subpoenas from the Department of Homeland Security should be reconciled with state law.

Smith said the named defendants in the Marion County case include Tina Kotek, Kristi Noem and Todd Lyons and that the letter is directed to Dan Redfield and Pam Bondi as representatives of the named defendants. He framed the request as seeking a process or guidance rather than endorsing a particular legal outcome.

Commissioners debated the item. One commissioner said the dual obligations give county officials an "impossible task" and urged support for the letter. The motion to sign the letter passed with recorded voices in favor and one opposed; the board chair called for ayes and then noted a nay. The board did not specify which commissioner cast the opposing vote on the record during the verbal roll call.

The board's action will add Polk County as a signatory to the letter sent by Marion County’s counsel asking both state and federal officials to develop clearer procedures for local governments when federal and state legal obligations conflict.