Following a report of masked men impersonating immigration agents in Oregon, the Oregon State Police have provided guidance on how to confirm the identity of law enforcement officers during traffic stops.
Verification Tips
The police advise drivers to turn on their emergency flashers, lock their doors, and ask the officer to display their department identification and badge. Drivers can also ask where the officer works and contact their dispatch center to confirm their identity.
In Oregon, a new state law requires law enforcement officers to clearly display identification showing the agency they represent. However, federal authorities have not committed to complying with this law, citing the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause.
Investigation Ongoing
The incident involved two men who allegedly pulled a driver from their car on Highway 211 east of Woodburn, a city with a significant immigrant population. The men, who wore face coverings and vests with ‘police’ written on them, forced the victim into their vehicle before releasing them after 15-20 minutes.
The Oregon State Police, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security are investigating the incident. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Oregon State Police dispatch at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
