County changes policy on illegal immigrants

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Clackamas County has reported more foreign-born drunken drivers to immigration authorities in the past month than in the previous 18 months combined.

The crackdown began the day The Oregonian newspaper reported that authorities missed a chance to deport an illegal immigrant from Mexico who was convicted in November 2006 of driving drunk.

Eight months later, Alejandro Rivera Gamboa was accused of killing 15-year-old Dani Countryman in Milwaukie.

The policy changes in Clackamas County reflect public outrage over the killing and a new push by federal immigration authorities to enlist Oregon's jails in identifying those who violate immigration laws.

The Oregon State Sheriff's Association says that across Oregon, jails are making more referrals to immigration authorities.

Oregon law prohibits local law enforcement agencies from actively looking for illegal immigrants - but the law does not stop police or prosecutors from reporting people after they're arrested.