ICE RUN-INS REPORTED IN GRESHAM

Adam Elwell

The Advocate

In December 2025, three Gresham residents were detained after being lured out of their home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Federal agents cannot enter a home without a warrant; however, this has not deterred ICE or Border Patrol from using deceptive practices to contact residents. Tactics have included fake license plates, Mexican flag bumper stickers and, most recently, posing as utility workers. Despite multiple reports from residents, the Department of Homeland Security denies using these tactics. 

“When our heroic law enforcement officers conduct operations, they clearly identify themselves as law enforcement,” DHS spokesperson for public affairs Tricia McClaughlin said in an interview with the Oregon Capital Chronicle. 

In response, both PGE and NW Natural Gas published guidelines to help customers identify legitimate utility workers: 

• Employees will never ask for immediate access to a customer’s home. They may go to a back or side yard to access a meter.

• In most situations where an NW Natural employee needs to enter a home—such as for a safety check or inspection—the visit will have been scheduled in advance. 

• To verify if someone is an NW Natural employee or contractor, customers can call 503-226-4211 or 800-422-4012. If you suspect an imposter, call 911 immediately. 

Nuestros empleados nunca solicitarán acceso inmediato a las casas de los clientes. Con frecuencia, solo necesitan ingresar al patio trasero o lateral para revisar el medidor. En la mayoría de los casos, si por alguna razón un empleado de NW Natural necesitara entrar al interior de una vivienda (por ejemplo, para una revisión de seguridad o una inspección), esto se habría programado previamente con el cliente. 

Si desea verificar si la persona que se encuentra en su domicilio es un empleado o contratista de NW Natural, puede comunicarse con nuestra línea de atención al cliente al 503-226-4211 o al 800-422-4012. Si sospecha que se trata de un impostor, llame al 911 de inmediato. 

There is also evidence that Border Patrol has targeted residents seeking access to emergency rooms. On Jan. 16, the Crespo-Gonzalez family sought treatment for their 7-year-old daughter at a Southeast Portland hospital after a severe nosebleed. Outside the hospital, they were detained by Border Patrol and later transferred to the immigrant family detention center in Dilley, Texas. DHS officials accused the family of entering the country “illegally,” despite the family using formal channels in 2024. State representatives attempted to visit the facility but were denied entry. The family was released on Feb. 6 after 22 days in custody. 

ICE has also been seen in recent months near several schools, including Alder Elementary, Highland Elementary, Rockwood Preparatory School and Gresham High School. If you believe you have witnessed an ICE operation, you can report it to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition at 1-888-622-1510.