In a troubling incident that has raised significant concerns about civil liberties and law enforcement practices, a U.S. citizen in Portland, Oregon, was detained by plainclothes officers for several hours before being released, according to his attorney. The individual, identified as Frank Miranda, was approached outside his workplace early on October 2 by multiple agents wearing masks who did not disclose their identities.
According to Miranda’s attorney, Michael Fuller, the agents informed him that he was “on an overstay,” a term Miranda did not understand. In a video recorded during the encounter, he can be heard questioning the officers, “What do you mean, overstay? I don’t know what that is.” Miranda asserted his rights, explaining that he was born in California and insisting that he hadn’t done anything wrong.
Despite his protests, the situation escalated rapidly. In the footage, an officer ominously warns Miranda, “We’re gonna put you in cuffs or you’re gonna get the dog.” Following this threat, Miranda was struck from behind, handcuffed, and placed in an unmarked vehicle that transported him to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland.
Miranda was held at the ICE facility for several hours, a detention that raised alarms among advocates for civil rights and due process. After the ordeal, he was eventually returned to his workplace, shaken but unharmed. This incident has sparked discussions about the tactics used by law enforcement, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement and the treatment of U.S. citizens.
As the details of this case continue to unfold, the Portland Medium will continue to cover the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and law enforcement practices in the United States, and the calls for greater transparency and accountability in such operations.
