Beaverton, Oregon — A Beaverton family is devastated after 49-year-old Jose Perez was detained by federal agents Monday morning at Beaverton Town Square while on his way to work. The arrest has left his loved ones grappling with confusion, fear, and uncertainty about the future.
The Morning of the Arrest
Perez’s stepdaughter, Araiz Martinez, said her father was on his way to work on October 20 when he was stopped by federal agents. He was speaking with her mother over the phone at the time of the encounter.
Martinez was driving her younger brother to school when she learned about the situation. She immediately turned around and rushed to the Beaverton Town Square, where she discovered her father’s vehicle with its windows smashed out.
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“When I got there, the first ICE agent was wearing a police vest. I knew he wasn’t police—he had no badge, and he wouldn’t identify himself,” Martinez said. “His face was covered, and when I asked if he had a warrant signed by a judge or any probable cause to take my dad, he refused to answer.”
Martinez said when she went to retrieve her ID, the agent walked away and left the scene soon after.
Family Left in Shock
Perez’s detainment has deeply affected his family, especially his young son. “The first thing I thought about was my brother,” Martinez said, her voice breaking. “He’s my stepdad, but that’s his father. I grew up without mine for eight years, and I don’t want that for my little brother. He needs both parents here.”
Perez, who came to the United States from Mexico over 20 years ago, is undocumented. He has worked as a chef for more than 15 years and is described by his stepdaughter as hardworking and devoted to his family.
Financial and Emotional Struggles
With Perez now in custody, his family is struggling to cover rent, bills, and legal expenses. Martinez started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds to support the family while they navigate the situation.
She said her father is anxious and unsure about what to do next. “He’s stressed. He doesn’t know if he should self-deport or fight his case,” Martinez said.
Perez is currently being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. Despite concerns about his high blood pressure and need for specific medication, he was transported there later the same day.
“The agents told us they weren’t sure they’d take him to Tacoma because of his health, but they did,” Martinez said. “Now we’re waiting for our lawyer to see him on Friday. I probably won’t be able to visit him myself for a couple more weeks.”
Broader Fears in the Community
The arrest has heightened fears among local immigrant families. “It’s a reality many immigrant families face,” Martinez said. “People are scared to go out. I ask myself, ‘Why us?’ But really, why not us? So many families are at risk.”
Community volunteers and immigrant-rights advocates have also been tracking increased ICE activity in nearby cities, including Hillsboro, where similar detainments have occurred.
ICE Responds
When contacted by KGW for comment, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued an official statement defending the arrest.
“Entering the U.S. illegally is a crime under 8 U.S.C. 1325 – Improper Entry by an Alien, and has been since the late 1920s,” the statement read. “Jose Ramierez Pere [sic], of Mexico, is in the United States illegally and that is a direct violation of U.S. immigration laws. ICE’s mission is to enforce U.S. immigration laws, remove criminal aliens, and safeguard the American public.”
Uncertain Path Ahead
Perez’s family remains hopeful but uncertain about what will happen next. Their lawyer is expected to meet with Perez soon to discuss his legal options.
In the meantime, Martinez said her family is trying to stay strong. “We’re just praying he comes home soon,” she said. “He’s not a criminal. He’s a father, a husband, a man who’s worked hard every single day to provide for us.”
As the investigation continues, the case has drawn attention to the emotional and human impact of immigration enforcement in Oregon — leaving one family asking the same heartbreaking question: “Why us?”
