Cartel Survivors Seeking Asylum Arrested by ICE in Oregon Courthouse Standoff

Immediately after his court hearing, a 24-year-old man seeking asylum was arrested inside a Portland courthouse. This was the second incident of its kind in a matter of days.

The man, who lives in Newport and identified as Y-Z-L-H, fled Mexico after receiving death threats from a cartel, according to his attorneys.

His arrest on Thursday followed a similar incident at the beginning of the week when ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents arrested another 24-year-old immediately after a court hearing seeking asylum.

This incident involved a transgender woman who too fled Mexico because of sexual assault by a different cartel. Identified as O-J-M, she was supported by protesters on Wednesday who rallied against her arrest at Esther Short Park.

Attorneys Are Challenging the Government’s Actions

Attorneys for both asylum seekers have filed a habeas corpus petition challenging the government’s actions.

Similar arrests have occurred in 19 cities across 13 states as ICE agents fast-track the deportation of people seeking asylum.

Legal documents state that Y-Z-L-H followed the rules. He has no criminal record, has been living in Newport for two years, and obtained authorization to work in the U.S.

The same criteria were met by the transgender woman who, after her arrest, was transported to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington state.

She is in solitary confinement at her request as she fears for her safety. A judge has barred ICE from transporting her out of the state.