Sponsored by: Annie Naranjo-Rivera, Tillamook County Approved: 06/25/2017
A RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON
WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Article 2 – Healthcare, Basic Human needs, and Human rights) states that “Oregon Democrats affirm the rights of all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect. We believe all people have an inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the freedom and equality of every individual. We believe in a strong social safety net and basic health care as a human right,”. WHEREAS, The DPO Platform (Article 2: Plank 1) states that “we believe in the right of individuals to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of inherent characteristics, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, residency status, disability, or other identifying qualities,”. WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Article 2: Plank 4) states that we support the right of everyone to the basic necessities of life including: safety, clean air, water, food, shelter, health care, education, and family-wage jobs. WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Article 2: Plank 5) calls for “protecting the vulnerable from neglect and abuse, especially children, the medically fragile, people with disabilities, and the elderly,”. WHEREAS, The DPO Platform (Article 9 Immigration) states that Oregon Democrats believe that as a nation founded largely on immigration, we value its benefit to our society. Furthermore, that we need to stand firm against xenophobic, prejudiced, and racist rhetoric. The invaluable contributions of immigrants to our communities should be recognized and immigrants and their rights respected. WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Article 9: Plank 4) states that Oregon Democrats “believe deportation policies should be humane and flexible and allow for fair due process,”. WHEREAS, the National Institute of Corrections (Jail Standards and Inspection Programs, Resource and Implementation Guide) states that holding inmates under inhumane conditions is inappropriate and illegal. WHEREAS, the National Institute of Corrections (Jail Standards and Inspection Programs, Resource and Implementation Guide) states that there is no question that there is need for County and State oversight, further stating that it is in society’s best interest to ensure that jails are used and operated properly, which can only be achieved by establishing a clear set of standards coupled with a process of inspections and follow up to see that any identified deficiencies are corrected. WHEREAS, Oregon Law ORS 181A.820 states: No law enforcement agency of the State of Oregon or of any political subdivision of the state shall use agency moneys, equipment or personnel for the purpose of detecting or apprehending persons whose only violation of law is that they are persons of foreign citizenship present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. WHEREAS, Resolution 2016-085 (Regarding the State of Oregon as a State of Inclusivity with respect to immigrants and refugees) makes it clear that we “urge our State, Counties and Municipalities to oppose assisting with or cooperating with any raids or detentions or deportations of any immigrants. This includes the assistance of local law enforcement or providing data to the Federal Government,”.
WHEREAS, the NORCOR jail (run by Wasco, Hood River, Sherman, and Gilliam Counties) has recently been found to be holding ICE detainees on behalf of the Federal Government, in violation of state law, and in violation of basic principles of human rights. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON urges the Governor and the Legislature to create a statewide oversight task force to examine the operation of jail facilities, conducting independent investigations, to determine violations of state law, to maintain public records, and to recommend timely corrective action from necessary entities.
Further resolved, the Democratic Party of Oregon urges that each County Democratic Central Committee consider passage of this resolution.
(Task force can include, but not limited to the following: the Department of Justice, the OR State Attorney General, OR Department of Corrections, the OR State Police, OR Association of County Sheriffs, the District Attorney’s Association, each OR County District Attorney’s Office, each OR County Commission, the Criminal Justice Association, immigrant advocacy organizations.)
