Sheriff warns against gathering information on immigrants in Oregon

In rural, coastal Oregon, Sheriff Curtis Landers expressed alarm over letters circulating in the community that urged residents to document the license plate numbers of individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants. This initiative has raised significant concerns about safety and community cohesion. Upon receiving such a letter, Landers reached out to the FBI to report the issue and convey his apprehensions. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office released a statement condemning this activity as harmful and divisive. They reiterated their commitment to Oregon's sanctuary law, which protects immigrant communities by prohibiting local enforcement from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status. The mailings have provoked responses from various local officials, including mayors of cities within Lincoln County, who also received the letters. During times of heightening political tension over immigration issues in the United States, such instances can exacerbate fear among immigrant populations. The letters direct community members to be watchful while attending schools or places of worship, contributing to an atmosphere of intimidation and unrest. In light of these events, Sheriff Landers encouraged compassion and advised against participating in tracking or reporting people based on their perceived immigration status. Oregon has long been recognized for its protective stance on immigrants, having established itself as a sanctuary state since 1987. This legal framework limits local enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant, aiming to create a more supportive environment for immigrant families. The sanctuary law has evolved, featuring amendments that enhance protections for vulnerable individuals amidst fluctuating national immigration policies. Advocacy groups have mobilized in response, offering know-your-rights trainings across immigrant-friendly states like California and Illinois to empower affected communities. In addition to the legal protections, state officials and community leaders have uniformly rejected the hostility perpetuated by such letter campaigns. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum denounced these tactics as attempts to intimidate and fracture community integrity through racially charged communications. Law enforcement and advocacy networks are vigilant in spotting and addressing these issues, affirming that they will continue to advocate for inclusivity and equity within their communities, especially against divisive measures.