A surge of mass arrests carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across Washington County has triggered a heated debate, with local leaders, activists, and residents deeply divided over the agency’s actions.
Over the past month, hundreds of immigrants have been detained across Oregon, including more than 30 arrests in Woodburn alone. The large-scale operation has prompted widespread outrage from community advocates and civic officials, who have described the actions as “racist, arbitrary, and violent.”
Officials Condemn ICE Actions
Several Washington County officials and union representatives have publicly criticized ICE, accusing the agency of targeting vulnerable communities and creating fear among immigrant families. Some leaders are calling for a countywide state of emergency and pushing for Washington County to formally adopt sanctuary jurisdiction status — a move that would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Also Read
A lawsuit has also been filed, alleging that ICE has denied detainees access to legal counsel and held people without properly verifying their immigration status. Attorneys representing the families of those detained argue that the raids were conducted without transparency and often without warrants.
A Divided Public
Reactions from residents have been deeply polarized. In online discussions, many people expressed frustration over Oregon’s sanctuary laws, claiming they have encouraged illegal immigration.
“Sanctuary state status is the cause of all of this! Oregon is violating federal law, and so is anyone here illegally,” one commenter wrote.
Others defended ICE’s actions, saying the agency was simply enforcing existing immigration laws.
“ICE is just doing its job,” another commenter argued. “Sanctuary cities are liberal code words for protecting illegal immigrants, full stop.”
Some pointed out that the arrests reflect demographic patterns rather than discrimination, arguing that the high number of detainees from Mexico and Central America mirrors broader immigration trends.
“If 68% of undocumented immigrants are from Mexico and Central America and another 12% from South America, it’s just statistics — not racism,” one person wrote.
Ongoing Debate Over Sanctuary Laws
The controversy has reignited Oregon’s long-standing debate over sanctuary policies. Oregon became the first U.S. state to declare itself a sanctuary in 1987, limiting state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Supporters say these laws protect immigrant families and help build trust between police and communities. Critics, however, argue that they undermine federal authority and contribute to illegal immigration.
Looking Ahead
As tensions rise, immigrant advocacy groups are urging residents to remain calm and support families affected by the raids. Local churches and nonprofits have begun organizing legal aid and community response teams to assist those impacted.
Meanwhile, ICE has defended its actions, stating that the agency is focused on apprehending individuals who have violated immigration laws or pose a public safety threat.
The issue continues to divide Washington County — reflecting a broader national debate over immigration enforcement, racial equity, and the meaning of sanctuary in America.
