In this episode of "Oregon Being Oregon"...
Perhaps I should start by saying I've traveled pretty much all over Oregon, and it's a magnificent state to behold, from the Columbia River Gorge to Crater Lake to Mount Hood to the awe-inspiring Pacific Northwest coast. That said, the farther away one gets from Portland, and to a lesser extent, Eugene, the better.
However, given the Beaver State's majority-Democrat (read: far-left) government, the story you're about to read is reflective of untold number of left-wing Oregonians who undoubtedly agree with the efforts of the focus of our story:
A state representative reportedly tried to derail a high-risk raid targeting Tren de Aragua gang members — all of whom are illegal aliens, of course — operating out of an apartment building next to a Portland elementary school.
Oregon State Representative Ricki Ruiz allegedly attempted to disrupt the law enforcement operation to arrest the suspects who had been using the apartment unit as a "stash house" to harbor illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition, all of which were intended for sale in the Portland area, according to federal investigators, as The Post Millennial reported exclusively.
Rep. Ruiz — did I mention he's a left-wing Democrat? — took to social media to not only slam the October 24 ICE operation, but also to promote a hotline for the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC), which rallies left-wing activists to interfere with federal immigration enforcement actions.
Here's more from The Post Millennial's story linked above:
The high-risk operation began at approximately 6:00 am on October 24. Federal agents with the US Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) breached the apartment unit upon the execution of a federal arrest warrant, resulting in the apprehension of Roberth Jose Hernandez Garcia, a Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member who was caught selling illicit drugs, firearms, and ammunition during several undercover DEA operations spanning between September and October in the Portland area, court records show. Seven additional subjects, all of whom are Venezuelan nationals with suspected TdA affiliation and have criminal records, were also taken into custody at the apartment complex.
According to federal investigators, the Tren de Aragua gang members are believed to have arrived in Portland just over a month ago after fleeing Chicago due to increased immigration enforcement operations. The city of Portland, like Chicago, is a sanctuary for illegal immigrants.
Apparently unhappy, Ruiz wrote in a Facebook post:
We can confirm that there was a heavy ICE operation across from Rockwood Preparatory School, in the nearby apartment complex and surrounding area. The school had to close for the day due to the operation. While we cannot confirm if the helicopters were part of the same activity, we understand why many residents are concerned and have reported noise disturbances.
Witnesses reported over 10 vehicles arriving and targeting two individuals. Unfortunately, we expect to see more of these operations in the coming weeks. It’s important to remember that everyone still has rights — no matter what.
Please save these numbers:
PIRC Hotline: 1-888-622-1510 — to report ICE activityECO: 1-888-274-7292 — for legal help and guidance
These are not normal times. When a school in the heart of Rockwood has to cancel classes without notice and a community is left in crisis, it’s clear that these tactics are meant to create fear in one of our most diverse and vulnerable neighborhoods. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with our partners to ensure our community stays informed and protected.
Ruiz was right in one respect, but for the wrong reason:
These are indeed "not normal times." State and local officials, including elected lawmakers, overtly attempting to interfere with the federal government doing its legal job by arresting illegal alien drug cartel members would have been unthinkable before the Second Age of Trump.
And not to be cynical, but I'd venture a safe bet that Mr. Ruiz cares far more about the arrest of the illegal aliens than about the proximity of the cartel's "stash house" to an elementary school.
Simply, nearness of the operation to the elementary school was a bonus for Ruiz in his efforts to further turn members of the community against the Trump administration, and its rounding up of the "worst of the worst" illegal aliens.
I'd say "Better luck next time, Rep. Ruiz," but I'm sure the sorry excuse for a representative of the people is already eyeing his next disruption of law-abiding operations against illegal aliens.
Note: The Schumer Shutdown continues. Rather than put the American people first, Chuck Schumer and the radical Democrats forced a government shutdown over healthcare for illegals. They own this.
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