NewsNation embedded with ICE for Portland operations

PORTLAND, Ore. (NewsNation) — NewsNation is getting a firsthand look at how the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration in Portland.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement says its agents are working to catch those living in the country illegally with criminal records. So far, about a dozen on the “worst of the worst” list have been arrested in the city.

Oregon became the country's first sanctuary state in 1987 and because of sanctuary policies, the Department of Homeland Security says, immigration detainers are often ignored by local law enforcement. In some cases, violent felons are released, prompting ICE operations to track and apprehend felons who are in the U.S. illegally.

During NewsNation’s ride-along with ICE, officers were searching for an undocumented immigrant from Mexico with an order for removal in 2023. Since then, that target racked up multiple felony charges, including assault. A suspect pulled over and questioned in the case was able to prove his legal status and was released.

Oregon has the lowest ICE arrest rate of any state and critics claim these operations go too far, since an estimated 65% of people arrested by ICE have no criminal records, according to the Cato Institute.