Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws

 

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The Lane County Sheriff’s Office understands that there are often questions and misunderstandings about how local law enforcement interacts with immigration enforcement; we are thankful to the community groups who have engaged in discussions with our office on this topic and provided an opportunity for an open dialogue.   

The Sheriff’s Office does not enforce federal immigration laws and we will continue to follow State laws regarding immigration. Oregon Revised Statute 181A.820 states that “No law enforcement agency of the State of Oregon or of any political subdivision of the state shall use agency moneys, equipment or personnel for the purpose of detecting or apprehending persons whose only violation of law is that they are persons of foreign citizenship present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws.”  Additionally, the Lane County Jail (which is operated by the Sheriff’s Office) only accepts bookings of inmates for criminal charges, and will not accept or house an inmate solely for the violation of federal immigration law.  The Sheriff's Office is committed to justice and integrity, is sworn to protect and honored to serve the community members and visitors of Lane County.