NEWBERG, Oregon – Juan Miguel Aldape, a longtime resident of Newberg who pays his taxes, practices his Catholic faith, and cares for his youngest son with autism, was seized by federal immigration agents on Aug. 24 in a Lowe’s parking lot in nearby McMinnville. The arrest occurred without a warrant and he was quickly moved to an ICE processing center in Portland, then transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana.
Family and community rally for answers
At a press conference held by Unidos Bridging Community at the Chehalem Cultural Community Center, Aldape’s relatives and immigration‑rights advocates described the hardship his family faces. His daughter‑in‑law, Ashleen Aldape, asked, “How do you explain to a minor with special needs that his father was taken by ICE?” The family has been unable to contact Juan Miguel since Aug. 26 despite repeated calls to federal detention databases and attempts to hire legal counsel.
“His dad is his best friend, his rock and his inspiration,” Ashleen said, noting that Aldape’s grandchildren, ages five and under, ask for their Papa Juan daily. The family is seeking reliable information about his whereabouts and the ability to communicate with him.
Broader immigration enforcement under the Trump administration
Aldape’s case mirrors that of other long‑time Oregon residents, such as Woodburn pastor Fidel Cordero Garcia, whose family also faced a sudden ICE detention. These incidents have risen as the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement, often transferring detainees thousands of miles from their homes.
In February, a federal judge barred warrantless ICE arrests in Oregon, joining Washington, D.C., and Colorado in similar orders. The ruling, however, has been challenged by the Justice Department, and lawyers from Innovation Law Lab allege that ICE continues to ignore the court’s mandate, describing the policy as “arrest first, justify later.”
ICE response and legal context
ICE spokesperson Angelina C. Vicknair confirmed Aldape is an illegal alien from Mexico and was arrested in a “targeted enforcement operation.” The agency has not provided a warrant and denies that Aldape has been denied phone calls, though his family reports otherwise.
After a brief call from the Portland processing center, Aldape was moved to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, then to the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana. When family members visited the Tacoma facility, staff gave conflicting information about his status, indicating possible deportation, transfer, or release.
Local political response
U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, who represents Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, condemned what she called “Trump’s cruel and inhumane immigration policies” and pledged to work with Unidos, the ACLU of Louisiana, and Democratic colleagues to secure legal assistance for Aldape.
The Aldape family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover expenses while they navigate the loss of their primary breadwinner.
What this means for Newberg families
For a community that values faith, family, and individual liberty, Aldape’s detention raises urgent questions about parental rights, due process, and the impact of federal immigration policy on local families. Advocates urge the Trump administration to honor constitutional protections, provide transparent information, and allow families to maintain contact with detained loved ones.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
