“Unfortunately, we expect to see more of these operations in the coming weeks. It’s important to remember that everyone still has rights—no matter what,” said Rep. Ruiz.
Oregon state representative Ricki Ruiz called to disrupt a high-risk immigration enforcement operation, which involved making targeted arrests of Tren de Aragua gang members at an apartment complex situated next to a Portland elementary school.
The suspects, all of whom are illegally present in the United States, had been using the apartment unit as a “stash house” to harbor illicit drugs, firearms, and ammunition, which were being sold in the Portland, Oregon area, according to federal investigators. Rep. Ruiz, a Democrat, condemned the October 24 operation on social media, sharing a hotline from the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) that mobilizes anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activists to disrupt immigration enforcement actions once ICE activity is reported.
Rockwood Preparatory Academy (K-5) closed the school for the day due to the presence of federal agents.