The actions of ICE, here in Portland and throughout the United States, has created an atmosphere of fear and paranoia. The Trump administration, the worst of the worst, is violating the spirit of the Constitution: “In order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility…”

Under usual circumstances, when an arrest is made, the accused is notified of the charges and procedures are mandated to allow the person charged an opportunity to defend themselves. Multiple “arrests” in Portland and many other cities and towns have not followed these constitutional mandates. Folks have been pulled from vehicles, homes, places of work and, often, under physical attacks by ICE agents with no recourse to defend themselves. 

I would argue that in place of “arrest,” the term “abducted: a means of apprehension under force and deception,” would be more accurate. Arrest has the psychological hint of legality, which in the hands of ICE has clearly demonstrated is not only illegal but violates historical standards of proper police protocol. 

ICE has taken a chapter from despotic countries and, if it is not stopped, will become the norm here in the United States.

Rob Boudewijn
Portland