A series of public comments Nov. 6 drew sustained attention and sharply divergent views about immigration enforcement, public safety and recent statements by county officials.

Beth Kiser urged the board to prioritize victims and taxpayers and read an extended list of federal criminal cases involving noncitizens, describing the financial and emotional costs to victims and the community. Kiser criticized Commissioner King for what she described as statements that protect criminals, saying, "We deserve leaders who protect victims, not criminals."

Several other commenters disagreed. Sonda Martin, joining remotely, called Kiser's remarks "disingenuous and misleading," said she had never heard Commissioner King advocate protecting criminals and noted that "being undocumented in the U.S. is not a crime, and it is actually a civil infraction." Martin also cited examples of citizens and local residents convicted of crimes to argue that crimes are not limited to immigrants.

Rebecca Wallace said the debate should focus on the rule of law and officer safety and criticized public statements that she said encourage people to avoid lawful authorities, calling such encouragement "reckless" and saying it undermines public safety.

Context: The board opened the meeting with remarks thanking sheriff's deputies after a recent shooting incident involving Oregon State Police. Speakers repeatedly referenced officer safety, community trauma and the cost of victim services in their comments.

Direct quotes:
"We deserve leaders who protect victims, not criminals," Beth Kiser said.
"Being undocumented in The US is not a crime, and it is actually a civil infraction," Sonda Martin said.
"It's about the rule of law and the safety of our communities," Rebecca Wallace said.

No board action was taken during the public comment period; the statements were entered into the record.