Oregon coalition says ICE detained four US citizens in Oregon this week

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Four U.S. citizens were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Oregon this week, according to Oregon for All, a coalition of over 100 organizations.

Among those detained were two Oregonians from McMinnville, including a 17-year-old high school senior, during ICE sweeps in Yamhill County. At least seven others were arrested in the operation.

CONTINUING COVERAGE | ICE agents take McMinnville high school student into custody

McMinnville School District Superintendent Kourtney Ferrua confirmed that ICE officers took a high school student into custody off school grounds during lunch on Friday.

“We are working to verify information through appropriate channels and remain in communication with local partners,” Ferrua said.

She emphasized that ICE agents have not entered schools in her district and expressed concern for the students’ safety and emotional well-being.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to KATU’s request for comment on Friday.

On Thursday, two women were detained in Canby after filming ICE agents in a parking lot, according to Oregon for All. They were later released.

The coalition said the four individuals have chosen to remain anonymous due to fears of further retaliation.

Jess Montoya, director of the Oregon for All Network, criticized the detentions. “Four U.S. citizens were held for hours without access to an attorney, leaving their family members terrified and desperate to find out what happened to them.”

Montoya added, “The First Amendment protects the right of Oregonians to document ICE in public as long as they don’t interfere with or obstruct law enforcement activities. ICE’s intimidation of Oregonians is unacceptable.”

Oregon for All advocates for justice for immigrant and refugee communities, with support from groups such as APANO, ACLU of Oregon, and the Oregon Food Bank.

KATU News reached out to ICE and other agencies for comment, awaiting response.