On October 30, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, alongside U.S. Border Patrol agents, conducted an operation in Woodburn, Oregon, targeting individuals based on their immigration status. This operation involved unmarked vehicles and advanced technology to identify potential targets. During the operation, a 45-year-old woman, referred to in court as MJMA, was arrested after being stopped in a van registered to a non-U.S. citizen.

Details from a recent hearing in U.S. District Court in Portland revealed concerning tactics employed by federal agents, including the use of facial recognition applications to identify individuals and the establishment of unwritten arrest quotas. An ICE supervisor acknowledged creating arrest warrants shortly after the arrests, raising questions about the legality of these practices. Immigration lawyers are contesting what they describe as an unlawful dragnet, particularly in a city with a significant Latino population.

The operation, known as “Operation Fortifying the Border” and “Operation Portland Sweep,” reportedly aimed for a daily quota of at least eight arrests. The arrest of MJMA has prompted her legal team to consider expanding their petition into a class-action lawsuit, arguing that the actions of federal officers violate the statutory and constitutional rights of residents.

MJMA, who entered the U.S. on an expired B2 visa, testified about her arrest experience, stating she was pulled from the van and detained without clear communication regarding the reasons for her arrest. The court heard that she was pressured to sign documents waiving her right to a hearing in immigration court, which her lawyers argue was done without proper legal counsel.

The presiding judge expressed concerns about potential legal violations by federal officers, noting that while there may not have been malicious intent, the operational system could be problematic. The hearing underscored broader implications regarding immigration enforcement practices, particularly concerning the treatment of individuals and the increasing reliance on technology in policing.

As the case progresses, both sides are preparing additional written briefs for the court's consideration, highlighting the ongoing debate over the legality and ethics of current immigration enforcement tactics.