A Tacoma woman is now facing federal misdemeanor charges after allegedly failing to follow orders from federal officers at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland. Ciara D. Mercado, 32, was charged last Tuesday with failing to obey a lawful order, a Class C misdemeanor which can lead to up to a 30-day prison stint.
The incident, which occurred on August 4, saw Mercado entering the ICE building grounds and subsequently getting arrested for not complying with federal officers' directions. According to a U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon statement, Mercado had her first day in court this week. It turned out to be no more than an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, where she was ordered to quickly be released while awaiting further proceedings.
The Federal Protective Service is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mercado's actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office underscores that the charge she is facing is merely an accusation and reminds the public that any defendant, Mercado included, is to remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
