The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, together with the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, has filed a petition to enforce administrative subpoenas directed at four counties in Oregon: Clackamas, Washington, Multnomah, and Marion. The subpoenas seek information that could help locate 10 individuals previously convicted of violent felonies who are believed to be subject to removal from the United States.
According to federal authorities, these individuals were released into local communities after serving prison sentences for crimes including assault, rape, sexual abuse involving minors, kidnapping, robbery, manslaughter, and use of weapons. Prior to their release, immigration officials issued detainers requesting notification before any release took place; however, state officials did not honor these requests and proceeded with the releases.
The cases cited involve convictions dating from 2004 through 2018. Offenses include multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse—often involving minors—as well as serious violent crimes such as kidnapping and manslaughter. Sentences ranged from over five years to more than twelve years in prison. Several individuals were also required to register as sex offenders upon release.
Federal authorities argue that the requested information will aid efforts to apprehend these individuals so they can be removed from the country. They note that since 2021, Oregon public officials have routinely disregarded immigration detainers when releasing violent felons likely subject to removal.
“Removing violent criminal aliens from our local communities and country is a matter of public safety and a top priority for federal law enforcement,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
