Investigation targets Oregon 'sanctuary state' repeal effort

SALEM, Ore. (AP) " A conservative group is taking aim at the oldest statewide sanctuary law in the nation, with a drive to repeal a 31-year-old Oregon law limiting police coordination on immigration arrests.

But critics say paid signature gatherers deceived voters during a canvassing push for the measure earlier this year, and that the effort is being funded by hate groups. State law enforcement authorities have opened at least one investigation into the signature gatherers, and opponents have filed a complaint saying the behavior could have been part of a coordinated effort to mislead voters.

The developments come as sanctuary laws around the country face increasing criticism from the administration of President Donald Trump. Trump gathered officials opposed to a California sanctuary law last month in Washington, D.C., at an event where he gained attention for referring to criminal immigrants as animals.