Fact Check: "ICE's inhumane treatment of vineyard manager sparks outrage in Oregon wine community."
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, Moises Sotelo, a well-known vineyard manager in Oregon's Willamette Valley, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Witnesses reported that he was surrounded by multiple vehicles and was taken into custody in a manner described as harsh, with his family stating that he was "in chains at his feet" and had all personal belongings removed, including his shoelaces and belt (The Guardian). Sotelo has been a respected figure in the local wine community, having received the Vineyard Excellence Award from the Oregon Wine Board in 2020 and establishing his own vineyard maintenance business in 2024 (The Guardian).
His arrest has led to significant backlash within the Oregon wine community, with many expressing feelings of disappointment and disgust over the treatment of Sotelo and the broader implications for immigrant workers in the industry. Anthony Van Nice, a local vineyard owner, articulated concerns about the government's treatment of immigrants, stating, "To just round them up like criminals... it’s inhumane. It’s a human rights issue" (The Guardian). Reports indicate that ICE's operations in Oregon have intensified, particularly targeting agricultural workers, which has caused fear among the workforce (The Guardian).
Analysis
The claim regarding the inhumane treatment of Moises Sotelo by ICE is supported by multiple eyewitness accounts and statements from community members. The description of his arrest, including the removal of personal items and the manner of his detainment, aligns with reports from various sources, including local news outlets (The Guardian, KPTV). Furthermore, the emotional and financial impact on Sotelo's family and the local community has been documented, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $100,000 to support them (The Guardian).
Critically, the reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is high. The Guardian, a reputable news organization, has provided detailed coverage of the event, including quotes from individuals directly involved (The Guardian). Additionally, local news outlets have corroborated the claims regarding the community's response and the broader implications of ICE's actions in the agricultural sector (KPTV, Seven Fifty).
However, it is important to note that ICE has defended its actions, claiming that Sotelo entered the U.S. illegally in 2006 and has a criminal conviction for DUI, although his family disputes this claim (The Guardian). This discrepancy highlights the contentious nature of immigration enforcement and the narratives surrounding it.
Conclusion
The claim that ICE's treatment of Moises Sotelo has sparked outrage in the Oregon wine community is True. The evidence supports the assertion that his arrest was conducted in a manner perceived as inhumane by witnesses and community members, leading to significant public outcry. The emotional and financial repercussions for Sotelo's family and the broader implications for immigrant workers in the region further substantiate this claim.
