Disturbing footage has emerged showing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arresting a father as he dropped off his child at a preschool in Oregon. The incident, captured on video, has reignited debates about immigration enforcement tactics under the Biden administration.
The Arrest That Shocked a Community
According to witnesses, the man was approached by plainclothes officers in an unmarked vehicle as he walked his young child to the preschool in Beaverton. The video shows agents surrounding the father moments after he said goodbye to his child.
"It was heartbreaking to watch," said one parent who witnessed the incident. "The child had just gone inside when these men jumped out and grabbed the father. He wasn't resisting, just looked terrified."
ICE Defends Its Actions
In a statement to media, ICE confirmed the arrest but defended its methods, stating the individual was "a priority for removal" due to previous immigration violations. The agency claims its officers followed protocol by not entering the preschool premises.
However, immigrant rights groups have condemned the timing and location of the arrest. "Targeting parents during school drop-off creates lasting trauma for children and erodes trust in law enforcement," said Maria Hernandez of the Oregon Immigrant Rights Coalition.
Growing Controversy Over Enforcement Tactics
This incident comes amid ongoing debates about immigration enforcement priorities in the US. While the Biden administration has pledged more "humane" approaches compared to the previous administration, critics argue that aggressive tactics continue, particularly in states like Oregon with sanctuary policies.
Local officials have expressed outrage, with Beaverton's mayor calling for an investigation into whether ICE violated any local ordinances regarding enforcement near schools.
The arrested man's family has retained legal counsel but declined to comment publicly about the case. Immigration attorneys note that arrests near "sensitive locations" like schools, while not illegal, are generally discouraged under ICE's own guidelines.
