Federal Judge Orders Temporary Stop to Warrantless ICE Arrests in Oregon

The ruling comes after a Portland resident testified about his arrest despite having a valid work permit.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal judge in Oregon has ordered a temporary halt to all warrantless immigration arrests by ICE agents in the state. The ruling comes after a Portland resident, Victor Cruz, testified about being arrested and detained for three weeks despite having a valid work permit. Oregon now joins several other states where judges have ordered ICE to stop conducting warrantless arrests.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant victory for immigrant rights advocates who have long argued that warrantless ICE arrests violate constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The decision could set an important legal precedent and embolden other states to challenge the federal government's immigration enforcement tactics.

The details

In a Wednesday hearing, lawyers successfully petitioned a federal judge to order immigration officials to stop making warrantless arrests of immigrants in Oregon without first proving the person is a flight risk. Victor Cruz, a Portland resident with a valid work permit, testified that when he showed ICE agents his documents, they told him 'that doesn't protect you from us. You're still illegal.'

  • The federal judge issued the temporary order on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • Victor Cruz testified about his arrest and detention in a hearing on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Victor Cruz

A Portland resident who was arrested and detained by ICE for three weeks despite having a valid work permit.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement, which has been ordered to temporarily halt warrantless arrests in Oregon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That doesn't protect you from us. You're still illegal.”

— ICE Agent

What’s next

The judge's temporary order will remain in effect until a full hearing on the legality of ICE's warrantless arrest practices can be held.

The takeaway

This ruling is an important victory for immigrant rights in Oregon, and could embolden other states to challenge the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that critics say violate constitutional protections.