Merkley Calls ICE "Fascists"

In Oregon's 2026 U.S. Senate race, Republican challenger Russ McAlmond stands out as a champion of public safety through his support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal law enforcement agencies. As a U.S. Marine veteran with advanced degrees in business and finance, McAlmond brings a pragmatic, common-sense approach to immigration policy, emphasizing the need to protect Oregon citizens from dangerous illegal criminals and gang members who pose real threats to communities.

His position contrasts sharply with that of incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley, whose radical criticisms of ICE and advocacy for sanctuary laws have been accused of endangering Oregonians by shielding violent offenders from deportation. He has called ICE "fascists" which is a lie and puts a target on the back of every federal law enforcement officer. 

By prioritizing the removal of criminal aliens, McAlmond's stance not only upholds federal law but also delivers tangible benefits to all Oregon residents, fostering safer neighborhoods and reducing the burden on local resources.A recent violent incident in Portland underscores the critical role of federal enforcement that McAlmond supports.

On January 8, 2026, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to apprehend two individuals linked to the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, known for heinous activities like human trafficking, extortion, and murder. The driver, Luis David Nino-Moncada, tried to run down a federal officer with his vehicle, forcing the agent to open fire in self-defense, wounding both suspects.

Nino-Moncada now faces charges of assaulting a federal officer, highlighting the brazen dangers law enforcement faces from these criminal elements. Portland's police chief confirmed the suspects' gang ties, reinforcing the need for aggressive federal intervention to dismantle such threats.

McAlmond's campaign has rightly pointed to this event as evidence that ICE and Border Patrol are essential frontline defenders, protecting innocent Oregonians from predators who exploit weak borders and lax policies. Without such support, gangs like Tren de Aragua could embed deeper into Oregon's cities, leading to increased violence and fear.

Nationwide, ICE's deportation efforts target some of the most horrific criminals imaginable, many of whom have committed unspeakable acts against American citizens. In 2025 alone, ICE removed a record number of violent offenders, including child rapists, murderers, and drug traffickers who fuel the deadly fentanyl crisis.

These deportees often include individuals convicted of assault, homicide, and sexual offenses such as rape and child abuse, with sex assault ranking high among their crimes. Gang members from groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua are frequently removed for their involvement in extortion, smuggling, and brutal killings that terrorize communities.

Other serious felonies, including burglary, robbery, and weapons violations, round out the profiles of these threats. By deporting these individuals, ICE prevents repeat offenses and spares American families from further tragedy, directly benefiting states like Oregon where such criminals seek refuge.

McAlmond's endorsement of these operations reflects a clear understanding that removing these predators is not just policy—it's a moral imperative to safeguard citizens from the chaos sown by illegal immigration.

In stark opposition, Senator Jeff Merkley has adopted a radical leftist stance that undermines these efforts, labeling ICE agents as "fascists" and championing Oregon's sanctuary laws that effectively harbor illegal criminals. Merkley has publicly decried federal enforcement tactics as a "fascist takeover," demonizing the very officers who risk their lives to protect the public.

His support for Oregon's 1987 sanctuary statute, which bars local authorities from cooperating with ICE on immigration matters, allows convicted criminals to be released back into communities without facing deportation, even after serving time for serious offenses.

This policy prohibits jails from honoring ICE detainers, enabling dangerous individuals to evade federal custody and potentially reoffend. Critics, including McAlmond's supporters, argue that Merkley's views prioritize ideology over safety, putting targets on the backs of law enforcement and making Oregon a magnet for criminal aliens.

Such positions not only embolden gangs but also strain local resources, as unreported crimes rise in fearful immigrant communities shielded from accountability.

McAlmond's common-sense position is much better for Oregon than Merkley's radical approach, offering a pathway to genuine security for all Oregonians. By advocating for enhanced cooperation between federal and local forces, McAlmond ensures that violent criminals are swiftly deported, reducing crime rates and preventing tragedies like the Portland attack from becoming commonplace.

His "enhancing public safety without overreach" mantra focuses on targeted enforcement that removes threats while respecting the rule of law, benefiting families, businesses, and law-abiding immigrants alike. In contrast, Merkley's policies foster an environment where sanctuary protections allow criminals to thrive, ultimately making Oregon less safe by hindering the deportation of those who prey on citizens.

Voters seeking a safer state would do well to embrace McAlmond's vision, which aligns with the priorities of everyday Oregonians tired of radical experiments that compromise their well-being.In conclusion, Russ McAlmond's support for ICE and federal law enforcement represents a vital defense against the scourge of illegal criminals and gang violence plaguing Oregon.

By deporting those who commit horrific crimes and rejecting sanctuary loopholes, his policies promise a brighter, more secure future for all residents. Merkley's divisive rhetoric and protecting criminals over Oregonians, however, only exacerbate the dangers, proving that true leadership demands strength, not surrender.

Oregon deserves a senator like McAlmond who puts safety first for all Oregonians over illegal criminals and gang members.