cross-posted from: https://infosec.pub/post/49981326

Oregon State Police and federal authorities are investigating an assault in Clackamas County after three people posing as federal immigration agents pulled a driver over, detained and assaulted them.

The victim was driving on Highway 211 east of Woodburn the afternoon of July 17 when a car with flashing red and blue lights mounted on its roof got behind them. Believing they were being stopped by law enforcement, officials said, the person pulled over.

Two men approached the person’s vehicle, one carrying a rifle, and told them they were Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and that she was being detained. The duo then reportedly removed the driver from their vehicle, searched them and placed them in the back of their car.

A third perpetrator remained in the vehicle and assaulted the victim, they told police, reportedly telling them he was the “guard.”

After detaining the driver for nearly 20 minutes, the trio told them they were free to leave and released them, authorities said.

The victim then drove themselves to a hospital to seek treatment for unspecified injuries. While there, police said the victim began receiving text messages claiming to be from a law firm offering legal representation related to their detention.

State police said the men were dressed in green long-sleeve shirts and tactical vests labeled “POLICE” and carried fake police badges. They were also wearing boots, baseball caps and face coverings that hid their identities.

Investigators are seeking information from anyone who has received messages from the phone number 971-502-5548, which was used to communicate with the victim. The vehicle involved was described as a newer-model blue or gray SUV.

State officials contacted federal law enforcement agencies who confirmed that the incident was not part of an official operation.

In March, Gov. Tina Kotek signed an executive order banning the use of disguises or face coverings by federal agents. Police said officers conducting legitimate operations in the state will be clearly identified as law enforcement.