Oregon Sheriff Contacts FBI Over Discriminatory Letters Asking for Immigrant Tracking
In Lincoln City, Oregon, Sheriff Curtis Landers has raised alarms regarding a letter circulating in his community that encourages residents to document the license plate numbers of individuals they suspect may be undocumented immigrants. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office issued a press release condemning these letters as divisive and discriminatory, emphasizing their commitment to Oregon's sanctuary law, which restricts local law enforcement from inquiring about an individual's immigration status.
The letters have been reported across the county, prompting Sheriff Landers to reach out to the FBI for assistance. The FBI has acknowledged awareness of the situation and has urged community members to report any threats to their safety. The letter instructs recipients to be vigilant in public spaces, such as church parking lots and school pick-up lines, to identify vehicles they believe belong to immigrants lacking legal status.
Sheriff Landers and other local officials, including the mayors of Toledo and Lincoln City, received copies of the letter, which has sparked widespread concern among community leaders. The Sheriff's Office has encouraged residents to respond with compassion rather than engaging in the activities suggested by the letter, which they view as harmful and counterproductive to community cohesion.
Oregon's Sanctuary Law and Community Response
Oregon has been a sanctuary state since 1987, with laws that prohibit local and state police from enforcing federal immigration laws without a warrant. This legislation has been reinforced over the years, including a 2021 measure that established a hotline for reporting violations of the sanctuary law. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has also condemned the letters, stating that such intimidation tactics have no place in the state.
In light of the current political climate, advocacy groups across the nation are mobilizing to educate immigrants on their rights and how to protect themselves amid fears of increased deportations. This has led to training sessions in states with varying immigration policies, including California and Illinois, which have enacted protections for immigrants, as well as in states with stricter laws like Florida.
As discussions around immigration enforcement continue, the situation in Lincoln County highlights the ongoing tensions and differing approaches to immigration policy across the United States.
