NORCOR Transfers Federal Inmates After Custody Audit

The Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility transferred three federal inmates this month after an internal audit of its custody procedures.

The NORCOR Sheriff's Advisory Board met December 18 to review protocols for inmates lodged by the U.S. Marshals Service. Staff audited all federal custodies to verify compliance with Oregon's sanctuary laws, which prohibit local jails from holding people solely for immigration violations.

The audit found NORCOR in full compliance. But three individuals held on federal charges of illegal re-entry and drug offenses were transferred to other facilities anyway, to eliminate any potential procedural questions.

The U.S. Marshals Service coordinated the transfers and received notice not to bring individuals facing illegal re-entry charges to NORCOR in the future.

Hood River County Sheriff Matt English, Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill, Sherman County Sheriff James Burgett, and Gilliam County Sheriff Gary Bettencourt make up the Advisory Board. The four maintain operational authority over the regional jail, which serves Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam counties.