Advocates report rise in ICE arrests across Oregon

HILLSBORO Ore. (KPTV) - Immigrant justice groups say they have seen a rise in federal immigration enforcement activity across Oregon, reporting at least 21 people taken into custody over two days.

Jess Montoya, network director of Oregon for All, said students at Century High School in Hillsboro saw federal agents take someone into custody outside the school Wednesday.

“It was in view of a classroom, and these are violent actions that are happening while kids should be focusing on learning,” Montoya said.

Montoya said the group and other immigrant justice organizations have reported activity in Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Cornelius and Forest Grove.

The Forest Grove Police Department said Wednesday it is not assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The statement followed an incident in which department members escorted a federal officer to and from a bathroom inside the police station. The mayor apologized, saying the action “increased fear and concern” in the community.

State Rep. Ricky Ruiz, D-Gresham, said his office has been helping families of people taken into custody. He said it is too early to know whether the reports reflect a larger operation or a change in how federal agents are working.

The Department of Homeland Security said ICE has launched a nationwide “public safety surge” in sanctuary cities to target what it called “criminal illegal aliens.” The agency cited examples of people from Oregon convicted of serious crimes and said they were being “taken off the streets.”

Ruiz said people who commit crimes should be held accountable, but he believes many of those taken into custody have no criminal history. He said he hopes the activity is temporary.

Montoya said reported arrests have also occurred near big-box stores, including Home Depot, as well as at a library and community college. She urged people to record suspected ICE activity and report it to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition.