Portland, OR — Oregon’s top federal prosecutor is once again asking a judge to compel several counties to cooperate with federal immigration authorities by turning over information tied to individuals with felony convictions.
Federal Push to Enforce ICE Subpoenas
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford has filed a petition in federal court seeking to require Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Marion counties to comply with administrative subpoenas issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The subpoenas are aimed at obtaining information on more than 30 individuals currently under county supervision who may be subject to detention or deportation under federal immigration law.
This marks the second legal effort by federal prosecutors to enforce such subpoenas in Oregon.
Ongoing Legal Dispute Over Sanctuary Law
The counties have declined to provide the requested records, citing Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act, a state law that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement unless a judicial warrant or court order is issued.
County attorneys argue they are legally obligated to reject administrative subpoenas and will only comply if a judge formally orders them to do so.
Previous Court Ruling Set Partial Precedent
In November 2025, U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShane ruled that the same counties must comply with ICE subpoenas—but only for a specific group of nine individuals included in that case.
The current petition seeks to expand that ruling to cover a larger group of individuals identified in new subpoenas issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in January.
The case has now been assigned to U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo in Portland.
Serious Crimes Cited in Federal Filing
According to federal prosecutors, the individuals named in the subpoenas have prior convictions for serious offenses, including rape, child abuse, assault, kidnapping, and manslaughter.
Bradford emphasized that the federal government’s priority is public safety, stating that efforts are focused on preventing individuals who are not U.S. citizens and have committed violent crimes from causing further harm.
Counties Maintain Legal Position
Local officials maintain that state law prohibits them from directly or indirectly assisting in immigration enforcement without judicial authorization.
Legal representatives from each county reiterated their stance:
- Clackamas County stated it is required by law to decline such requests without a court order
- Washington County and Multnomah County issued similar responses, citing statutory restrictions
- Marion County confirmed it is reviewing the records but seeks legal clarity through the court process
Broader Implications
The case highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement powers and state-level sanctuary policies. At the center of the dispute is whether administrative subpoenas issued by federal agencies can override state laws limiting cooperation.
What Happens Next
Federal prosecutors are asking the court to follow the precedent set in the earlier ruling and require the counties to comply with the subpoenas. If granted, the order could significantly expand ICE’s access to local records in Oregon.
The case is expected to play a key role in defining the balance of authority between federal immigration agencies and state governments moving forward.
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