Editor’s note: The headline of this story has been updated from its original form.
A person was taken into custody by federal agents Wednesday morning, at approximately 7:30 a.m. in the 1500 block of NW Division Street, according to a statement by the Corvallis Police Department.
A follow up statement by the police department confirmed that the agents were part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
According to the statement, the Corvallis Police had no prior knowledge of the operation and did not participate in, assist with, or provide support to the agents in any way.
“Under Oregon law, local law enforcement agencies – including the Corvallis Police Department – are prohibited from using public resources to support or assist federal immigration enforcement,” the department stated. “This includes the use of facilities, property, personal, funds, equipment, or technology.”
The statement confirmed that there are no ICE detainees housed at the Corvallis Law Enforcement Center, and that ICE is not operating from the Corvallis police facility.
“The Corvallis Police Department remains committed to transparency, community trust, and full compliance with state law,” the department stated.
After investigating further, The Daily Barometer could not locate a 1500 block on Division Street. The Daily Barometer asked residents on NW Division Street and neighbors said they were unaware of the incident.
According to Rob Odom, vice president of University Relations and Marketing, the university does not know the identity of the individual detained or whether they have any affiliation with OSU.
Odom confirmed that, as with the Corvallis Police Department, Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act prohibits the OSU Department of Public Safety from supporting or assisting ICE in any way.
According to Odom, DPS had no advance information or warning about the arrest.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and may share more information if it becomes available,” Odom said in an email.
In the meantime, Odom directed students and employees to university resources to navigate immigration matters.
Odom identified “‘Resources for Beavs Navigating Immigration Matters,’ which includes information about engaging with federal officers and alerting university officials regarding ICE enforcement activity,” as a resource for students.
