The U.S. Department of Justice has sent letters to 23 cities and states that claim so-called sanctuary status.
The State of Oregon and King County, Washington received the letters.
The DOJ is demanding they produce documents that could show whether each jurisdiction is unlawfully restricting information sharing by its law enforcement officers with federal immigration authorities.
The letters also state that recipient jurisdictions that fail to respond, fail to respond completely, or fail to respond in a timely manner will be subject to a Department of Justice subpoena.
“I continue to urge all jurisdictions under review to reconsider policies that place the safety of their communities and their residents at risk,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “Protecting criminal aliens from federal immigration authorities defies common sense and undermines the rule of law. We have seen too many examples of the threat to public safety represented by jurisdictions that actively thwart the federal government’s immigration enforcement—enough is enough.”
Failure to comply could also result in the DOJ seeking the return of Federal law enforcement grants from 2016 and additional requirements for grans in 2017.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown responded:
“Oregon will not be bullied by a Trump Administration that is focused on dividing our country. Oregon’s laws are in place to uphold the civil rights of all Oregonians, and the federal government cannot, under the U.S. Constitution, force state law enforcement officers to implement the policies of this administration.
"Oregon is a welcoming place for all who call our state home. These values were affirmed some thirty years ago in state statute, which are in full compliance with federal law. As Governor, I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that the rights and values of all Oregonians are protected.”