WOODBURN, Ore. (Jul. 24, 2026) — Oregon State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating a report that several individuals impersonating law enforcement officers unlawfully detained and assaulted a driver in Clackamas County last week.
According to Oregon State Police, the incident occurred Friday, July 17, between approximately 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. along Highway 211 near milepost 5, east of Woodburn.
Investigators said the victim was driving when a vehicle displaying red and blue emergency-style lights pulled in behind them. Believing the vehicle belonged to law enforcement, the driver pulled into a gravel turnout.
Police said two men exited the suspect vehicle, one carrying a rifle. The men identified themselves as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and told the victim they were being detained.
The suspects allegedly forced the victim out of their vehicle, searched them, and placed them in the back seat of the suspects’ SUV. Investigators said a third individual, who remained inside the vehicle and acted as a “guard,” assaulted the victim while they were being detained.
After approximately 15 to 20 minutes, the suspects released the victim and told them they were free to leave.
The victim later sought medical treatment for injuries sustained during the encounter.
While receiving treatment at a local hospital, the victim began receiving text messages from the phone number 971-502-5548, claiming to represent a law firm offering legal representation related to the incident. Investigators are asking anyone who has received similar messages from that number to come forward.
The suspects were described as wearing boots, baseball caps, face coverings and green long-sleeve shirts. They also wore tactical vests bearing the word “POLICE” in white lettering and carried badges marked “Police.”
The suspect vehicle was described as a newer-model compact SUV, blue or gray in color, with no visible license plates.
Oregon State Police said investigators contacted federal law enforcement agencies, which confirmed the individuals involved were not federal officers.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity along Highway 211 near South Barlow Road on July 17, or who may have encountered individuals posing as law enforcement officers, to contact Oregon State Police Dispatch at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Callers should reference case number SP26-237961.
Officials emphasized that legitimate federal officers conducting operations in Oregon are required to clearly identify themselves as law enforcement. They also noted that anyone who falsely represents themselves as a federal immigration officer may face criminal prosecution.
Oregon State Police also reminded the public that if they are uncertain whether a traffic stop is legitimate, they should activate their hazard lights, proceed to a well-lit or populated location if it is safe to do so, keep their vehicle running with the doors locked, and request to see official identification or ask that a marked patrol vehicle respond. Under Oregon law, local and state law enforcement officers generally may not wear face coverings except under specific circumstances and must clearly display identification identifying the agency they represent.
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