Fact Check: Sotelo's arrest reflects a resurgence of ICE raids in Oregon's wine country.

Fact Check: "Sotelo's arrest reflects a resurgence of ICE raids in Oregon's wine country."

What We Know

On June 12, 2025, Moises Sotelo, the owner of Novo Start Vineyard Service in Newberg, Oregon, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while on his way to work. His arrest has been reported as part of a broader pattern of increased ICE enforcement actions in agricultural areas, particularly in Oregon's wine country (OPB, The Guardian). Sotelo's arrest occurred outside St. Michael's Episcopal Church, where he was reportedly detained without prior warning, leading to significant concern among local vineyard workers and community members (The Guardian, Independent).

Reports indicate that Sotelo has been in the U.S. since the early 1990s and has been trying to resolve his immigration status (OPB). His arrest has sparked fears within the community, particularly among vineyard workers, many of whom are undocumented. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there has been a noticeable increase in ICE activity in the region, with reports of other undocumented individuals being detained in the days leading up to Sotelo's arrest (KOIN, The Guardian).

Analysis

The claim that Sotelo's arrest reflects a resurgence of ICE raids in Oregon's wine country is supported by multiple sources. The reports consistently highlight an uptick in ICE enforcement actions targeting agricultural workers in the area, particularly following a shift in federal policy under the Trump administration, which had previously minimized enforcement in these communities (OPB, The Guardian).

The credibility of the sources reporting on this incident is generally high. OPB is a reputable local news outlet known for its thorough reporting on community issues, while The Guardian and KOIN also have established track records in covering immigration-related news. The accounts from local vineyard workers and community leaders provide additional context and corroborate the claims of increased ICE activity (The Guardian, KOIN).

However, it is important to note that ICE has stated that Sotelo was arrested as part of routine enforcement operations, which they claim focus on individuals with criminal backgrounds (KPTV). This assertion has been met with skepticism by community members who argue that Sotelo does not have a criminal history that would typically warrant such action (The Guardian).

Overall, the evidence suggests that Sotelo's arrest is emblematic of a larger trend of increased ICE raids in Oregon's agricultural sectors, particularly as community members express heightened anxiety about their safety and the potential for further enforcement actions.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Sotelo's arrest reflects a resurgence of ICE raids in Oregon's wine country" is substantiated by multiple credible sources indicating an increase in ICE enforcement actions in the region. The circumstances surrounding Sotelo's arrest and the reactions from the local community further support this assertion, highlighting a significant concern regarding immigration enforcement in agricultural areas.

Fact Check: Sotelo's arrest reflects a resurgence of ICE raids in Oregon's wine country.