Sheriff's office says Multnomah County policy limits immigration enforcement in Wood Village

A Multnomah County public-safety official told the Wood Village City Council that the county and its sheriff's office operate under Oregon statutes and county policy that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

"We do not enforce federal law. We enforce state law," the Multnomah County representative said, emphasizing the agency's focus on public safety and on ensuring community members feel comfortable reporting crimes. The official cited Oregon statutory protections and a county resolution that affirm the county's sanctuary stance and said the sheriff's office does not hold individuals on ICE detainers or use county resources to assist federal immigration enforcement.

Councilors pressed for reporting options if residents suspect improper cooperation; the speaker said residents could call the sheriff's office directly, use the county's internal-affairs reporting mechanism on the county website, or contact an online link on the Oregon Department of Justice site. A councilor also asked whether demonstrations were expected around the inauguration; the public-safety official said most intelligence indicated potential demonstrations near downtown Portland and not in East County.