A Saturday drive on Highway 211 east of Woodburn turned into a frightening ordeal when three men posing as federal immigration agents allegedly pulled over a driver, detained them and left them injured, according to Oregon State Police. Investigators say the suspects used emergency-style red and blue lights and wore tactical vests marked “POLICE” as they stopped the victim, searched them and briefly held them inside their vehicle for roughly 15 to 20 minutes before letting them go. The victim later went to a hospital for treatment.
The victim told troopers that a newer, smaller blue or gray SUV with no visible license plates pulled up behind their vehicle and activated red and blue lights before they both stopped at a gravel turnout, according to KPTV. Two men stepped out of the SUV, one of them armed with a rifle, and identified themselves as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, the outlet reports. They allegedly searched the victim, put them in the back seat and left a third person to watch over them. After the group released the victim, the person went to a nearby hospital and then began receiving text messages from the number 971-502-5548 that claimed to be from a law firm.
Oregon State Police say they checked with federal agencies, which confirmed the three individuals were not federal officers, and that the FBI is now assisting with the investigation, according to KGW. Investigators are asking anyone who noticed suspicious activity on Highway 211 near South Barlow Road last Saturday or who received any kind of communication from 971-502-5548 to contact OSP and reference case number SP26-237961.
Suspect and vehicle description
State police say the suspects were wearing boots, baseball caps, face coverings and green long-sleeve shirts, along with tactical vests labeled “POLICE.” The vehicle was described as a newer compact SUV with no license plates, according to KPTV. One of the men reportedly carried a rifle, and the victim says a third person assaulted them while they were confined in the back seat. Authorities warn that impersonators who use badges, uniforms or flashing lights can be convincing, putting drivers in a tough spot when they are simply trying to follow what they believe are lawful orders.
Legal implications
In Oregon, impersonating a public servant is a criminal offense. State law defines criminal impersonation of a public servant under ORS 162.365, and criminal impersonation of a peace officer can be charged as a Class C felony under ORS 162.367, according to Justia. If investigators confirm that the victim was searched, confined and assaulted, prosecutors could consider additional charges on top of impersonation as they review the evidence.
How to help
Anyone with information about the incident, including people who were driving on Highway 211 near South Barlow Road last Saturday or who received texts or calls from 971-502-5548, is asked to contact Oregon State Police at 800-442-0776 or dial *OSP (*677) and reference case number SP26-237961, as reported by KGW. Tips that include dashcam or phone video, photos or screenshots of messages could be especially useful for investigators.
