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Jackson County prosecutor tells hearing office protects crime victims, cites legal tools
Summary
Jackson County Prosecutor Melissa Johnson told the public hearing prosecutors use legal tools to protect undocumented crime victims and said the office meets with a national coalition aimed at limiting federal overreach; she defended the office's work while acknowledging community concerns about enforcement operations.
Melissa Johnson, Jackson County Prosecutor, told the legislature she signs documents that allow crime victims who are undocumented to remain in the country during criminal proceedings and described the office's approach to protecting witnesses.
"Many people do not know that as prosecutors, we have the ability to sign what are called I 9 leases, which allows people that have been victimized by crime or that had been witnessed crime cooperative with law enforcement to remain in this country during the pendency of the criminal prosecution process," Johnson said. She also said her office participates in a national coalition, which she named, that strategizes on resisting federal overreach while protecting constitutional rights.
Johnson said prosecutors take their responsibilities seriously and that the office works to ensure every resident "whether documented or not, is able to live, thrive, and be safe from crimes." Her remarks came after multiple public comments alleging local officers assisted ICE; the prosecutor urged respectful dialogue but described specific tools her office uses to protect victims and witnesses.
