Boardman police chief says US attorney confirmed federal immigration action

BOARDMAN – Boardman Police Chief Rick Stokoe said he has spoken with the United States Attorney, who confirmed that federal immigration authorities conducted an enforcement action in Boardman.

According to Stokoe, the U.S. attorney said the detained individual had overstayed a visa.

Stokoe investigated the incident after video circulated on social media over the weekend showing an individual being detained and placed into an unmarked vehicle.

He said it still appears the incident was a targeted enforcement action as opposed to a widespread immigration enforcement operation. He said he has not been able to confirm that additional people were arrested.

“It is important for our community to understand that Oregon law, specifically ORS 181A.820 and the Oregon Sanctuary Promise Act, generally prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using their personnel, equipment, or resources to enforce federal immigration laws or assist federal authorities with immigration enforcement, subject to limited legal exceptions,” Stokoe said in a statement posted to the department’s Facebook page.

Stokoe also noted that Oregon’s sanctuary laws do not prohibit federal agencies from conducting lawful immigration enforcement operations in the state.

“Our commitment to public safety, transparency, and maintaining the trust of our community remains unchanged,” Stokoe said.

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Elkhorn Media Group