PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A Portland man who says he was born in California was detained for several hours by plainclothes federal agents outside his workplace earlier this month, according to his attorney, in what appears to be a case of mistaken identity that has sparked outrage among local officials.
Frank Miranda, a U.S. citizen, was approached by multiple masked men early on October 2 who did not identify themselves, his lawyer Michael Fuller said. The men told Miranda he was “on an overstay” — a term typically used for immigration visa violations.
Miranda recorded part of the encounter on his phone. In the video, he can be heard asking, “What do you mean, overstay? I don’t know what that is.”
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According to Fuller, Miranda repeatedly told the agents that he was a U.S.-born citizen from California. When he objected to being detained, one officer allegedly responded, “We’re gonna put you in cuffs or you’re gonna get the dog.” Moments later, Miranda was struck from behind, handcuffed, and taken away in an unmarked vehicle.
Held at ICE Facility for Hours
Miranda was transported to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland, where he was reportedly held for several hours. Fuller said his client was never shown a warrant or given an explanation for the detention.
After being questioned, Miranda was released and driven back to his workplace later that day.
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — which oversees the agency — have not yet responded to media requests for comment.
‘Kidnapping Americans’
News of the detention has drawn strong criticism from elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.), who represents Miranda’s district.
“Masked federal agents aren’t welcome in our state, and they can’t keep kidnapping Americans,” Bynum said in a statement. “I’m infuriated by what happened to my constituent.”
Fuller said this is the first case in Oregon he’s aware of in which a U.S. citizen was detained on the false pretext of being in the country illegally. Similar incidents have been reported in Alabama, Florida, and Southern California in recent years.
Attorney Demands Answers
Fuller, who says he has a copy of Miranda’s California birth certificate, has filed a tort claim notice with the Department of Homeland Security and sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The letter requests copies of any documents or evidence agents relied on to justify the arrest.
“I hope ICE and senior officials will just provide us the documentation,” Fuller said. “If it truly was an honest mistake that couldn’t have been avoided, then we won’t go to court. But right now, we’ve been given no answers. That’s all we’re asking for — just answers.”
Growing Concerns Over Enforcement
Aggressive immigration enforcement has been a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda, with expanded ICE operations and increased federal activity in several Democratic-led cities, including Portland.
Local leaders say the recent detention underscores the risks of such tactics. “This could happen to anyone,” Fuller said. “If a U.S. citizen with a birth certificate can be taken off the street without cause, that should concern every American.”
Miranda has not spoken publicly about the incident. His attorney said he remains shaken but grateful to be home — and determined to ensure no one else endures the same ordeal.
