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Joint Statement from Acting Police Chief and City Administrator January 27, 2025 The federal government has begun nationwide immigration enforcement in major cities across the United States. As this type of enforcement continues to expand, we know it will undoubtedly create fear in our community. As the Acting Chief of Police and Woodburn’s City Administrator, it is our responsibility to ensure that the members of the Woodburn Police Department continue to provide the level of service that all our community members expect. Our mission is to enhance safety by building trust through strong community partnerships. The members of the Woodburn Police Department are sworn to uphold the U.S. Constitution, the laws of the State of Oregon, and the strict adherence to the department's policies and procedures. We are not authorized to enforce any federal civil laws. In particular, the State of Oregon is a sanctuary state, and Oregon law (181A.820) specifically prohibits local law enforcement from getting involved in civil immigration matters. We have met with community members and our message has not changed. We will follow the laws of the State of Oregon. We are very limited in what we can do regarding sharing information with the federal government. For example, we can share information with federal authorities when a crime is involved or take a subject into custody when they have a federal arrest warrant for a crime that is signed by a federal judge. The City of Woodburn does not have the resources, the desire nor the legal authority to assume any Federal immigration responsibilities. The enforcement of civil immigration is the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The members of the Woodburn Police Department will follow the laws of the State of Oregon. Whether you live, work, or visit our community, please contact the Woodburn Police Department if you need our services. If it is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. For non-emergency services, please call (503) 982-2345. I would also encourage anyone to follow our City of Woodburn social media and website for further information.