Oregon state rep called to disrupt immigration arrests of Tren de Aragua gang members living next to Portland elementary school

The suspects, all of whom are illegally present in the United States, had been using the apartment unit as a "stash house" to harbor illicit drugs, firearms, and ammunition, which were being sold in the Portland, Oregon area, according to federal investigators. Rep. Ruiz, a Democrat, condemned the October 24 operation on social media, sharing a hotline from the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) that mobilizes anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activists to disrupt immigration enforcement actions once ICE activity is reported.

Rockwood Preparatory Academy (K-5) closed the school for the day due to the presence of federal agents.

"These are not normal times," Ruiz wrote in a Facebook post. "When a school in the heart of Rockwood has to cancel classes without notice and a community is left in crisis, it's clear that these tactics are meant to create fear in one of our most diverse and vulnerable neighborhoods. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with our partners to ensure our community stays informed and protected."

The high-risk operation began at approximately 6:00 am on October 24. Federal agents with the US Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) breached the apartment unit upon the execution of a federal arrest warrant, resulting in the apprehension of Roberth Jose Hernandez Garcia, a Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member who was caught selling illicit drugs, firearms, and ammunition during several undercover DEA operations spanning between September and October in the Portland area, court records show. Seven additional subjects, all of whom are Venezuelan nationals with suspected TdA affiliation and have criminal records, were also taken into custody at the apartment complex.

According to federal investigators, the Tren de Aragua gang members are believed to have arrived in Portland just over a month ago after fleeing Chicago due to increased immigration enforcement operations. The city of Portland, like Chicago, is a sanctuary for illegal immigrants.

Community members in the area were quick to condemn the presence of federal agents near the school, disregarding the fact that members of a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO) unlawfully present in the US had been using an apartment directly next to Rockwood Preparatory Academy to seek refuge and sell illicit drugs and firearms.

"It's really sad, you know," resident Priscilla Mazorra told KATU, speaking on the presence of BORTAC agents outside the complex. "It's very concerning 'cause now families have to really, like, watch their back, and having to live like that in fear is just not something that any wants to experience."

Rep. Ruiz described the enforcement action as disappointing, adding in his post, "Witnesses reported over 10 vehicles arriving...Unfortunately, we expect to see more of these operations in the coming weeks. It's important to remember that everyone still has rights—no matter what."

He then shared the number of the PIRC hotline "to report ICE activity," as well as the phone number for legal matters, according to the representative's post.

"While this operation was federal in nature and not directed by our local police, I understand the deep concern it caused among families and residents. Our priority remains the safety, trust, and well-being of every community member—especially our students and parents who were directly impacted," Ruiz wrote in a follow-up Facebook post.

Federal authorities said that all of the illegal immigrants arrested during the operation have been placed in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

The investigation involved several law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, DEA, FBI, Portland Police Bureau, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), who are investigating a variety of crimes allegedly committed by TdA members in Oregon.

Members of the public can report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activity by calling (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

The Post Millennial reached out to Rep. Ruiz and Rockwood Preparatory Academy for comment.