CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. — The Oregon State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are seeking the public’s help as they investigate a disturbing incident in which several individuals allegedly impersonated law enforcement officers, falsely claimed to represent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and abducted a motorist in Clackamas County.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on Friday, July 17, between approximately 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., along Highway 211 near milepost 5, east of Woodburn.
The victim reported noticing a vehicle displaying red and blue emergency-style lights behind them and pulled over onto a gravel turnout, believing they were being stopped by law enforcement.
Police said two men exited the SUV, one carrying a rifle, and identified themselves as ICE agents. The suspects allegedly told the victim they were being detained, forcibly removed them from their vehicle, searched them, and placed them in the back seat of the suspects’ vehicle.
Investigators said a third suspect remained inside the SUV and acted as a guard. During the detention, the victim was reportedly assaulted before being released approximately 15 to 20 minutes later.
The victim later sought medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
While receiving treatment at a local hospital, the victim began receiving text messages from a phone number claiming to represent a law firm offering legal representation related to the incident. The messages originated from 971-502-5548, and investigators are asking anyone who has received similar communications to come forward.
OSP said federal law enforcement agencies have confirmed that the suspects involved were not federal officers.
The suspects were described as wearing boots, baseball caps, face coverings, and green long-sleeved shirts beneath tactical vests marked “POLICE” in white lettering. They also displayed badges labeled “Police.” Their vehicle was described as a newer-model blue or gray compact SUV with no visible license plates.
Investigators say the case is particularly concerning because it may have a widespread impact on immigrant communities already experiencing heightened fear and uncertainty. Authorities emphasized that impersonating law enforcement officers not only threatens public safety but also undermines trust in legitimate agencies.
The investigation remains active, and OSP detectives are pursuing multiple leads.
Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity near Highway 211 and South Barlow Road on July 17, encountered individuals posing as law enforcement officers, or received messages from 971-502-5548 is urged to contact the Oregon State Police.
Information can be reported by calling OSP Dispatch at 800-442-0776 or dialing *OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Callers should reference case number SP26-237961.
OSP Offers Safety Tips for Verifying Law Enforcement
The Oregon State Police also reminded the public that legitimate federal, state, and local officers conducting official operations in Oregon are required to clearly identify themselves as law enforcement and display identification showing the agency they represent.
If motorists are uncertain whether a traffic stop is legitimate, OSP recommends:
- Pull over in a well-lit, populated area whenever possible.
- Turn on emergency flashers but keep the vehicle running.
- Keep vehicle doors locked.
- Ask to see the officer’s identification and badge and verify the agency they represent.
- Call 911 or a non-emergency dispatch center to confirm the stop or request that a marked patrol vehicle respond if there are concerns.
OSP also acknowledged that some members of Oregon’s immigrant and refugee communities may not feel safe taking these steps and emphasized that calling 911 remains an appropriate option when there are concerns about an individual’s legitimacy.
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