Longview Man Arrested After Assaulting ICE Officer Outside Oregon Way Store

Longview, WA. — A Longview man was arrested Monday morning after allegedly assaulting a federal officer during an incident outside the Store N’ Deli on Oregon Way, according to the Longview Police Department.

Police were dispatched at approximately 6:35 a.m. on December 1 after a 911 caller reported several people in what appeared to be a physical fight in the parking lot. The caller also noted that some individuals were wearing gear resembling law enforcement uniforms.

While officers were responding, an LPD sergeant advised that federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been operating in the area in recent days and could be involved in the reported altercation.

When officers arrived, they confirmed the individuals in tactical vests were federal agents, whose gear displayed clear law enforcement markings. Agents had already detained one person before LPD arrived, and local officers did not take part in that arrest.

Federal agents informed LPD that during their operation, a man—identified as Ramon Tovar Jimenez, 35, of Longview—struck a federal officer multiple times, causing pain and visible injury. Longview officers then assisted in safely detaining Tovar Jimenez. He was advised of his rights and booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Assault in the Third Degree and Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer.

Police emphasized that their role was limited to responding to a reported disturbance and addressing an assault that occurred within city jurisdiction.

“Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and the City of Longview does not direct, coordinate, or participate in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, which are purely a civil matter,” Chief Robert Huhta said in a statement.

He added that LPD’s focus remains on community trust and impartial enforcement: “Immigration status plays no role in day-to-day policing, and community trust remains essential to effective public safety.”

Captain Branden McNew reiterated that acts of violence during any enforcement activity—local or federal—cannot be tolerated.

The department said its only involvement was maintaining public safety and investigating the assault on a law enforcement officer occurring within city limits.