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Oregon utilities, Gresham lawmaker warn of ICE officers impersonating workers: 'Shameful'
State Rep. Ricki Ruiz told KGW he's heard of at least three incidents of federal agents impersonating utility workers in Gresham in order to lure people outside.GRESHAM, Ore. — Amidst the heightened concern in the community over immigration enforcement, one Oregon state representative told KGW some federal agents have been posing as utility workers. It comes as utility companies put out their own warnings on how to spot impersonators.
“It’s honestly embarrassing that the federal government is using these tactics. It’s shameful," Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, said.
Ruiz told KGW Friday that he’s heard of three separate incidents in Gresham, where federal agents impersonated a utility worker in order to lure people from their homes.
“What I’ve heard from the families directly who I spoke to, they are mentioning how these individuals are showing up with yellow-orange vests, asking questions about utilities," Ruiz said.
Last month, KGW reported on a story where a federal agent allegedly posed as a construction worker to lure a man from his home, with the agent on video detaining the man in a bright-colored safety vest.
“That tells me they’re desperate," Ruiz said. "That tells me that they are trying to do everything, whether it’s in their power or not. They are not even respecting rules and laws and the Constitution, but they are doing everything they can to lure people, to lie to our community, and then taking them away.”
The incidents happened in North Gresham and Rockwood, according to Ruiz.
Portland General Electric and Northwest Natural both put out statements recently warning about people impersonating utility workers, though they did not specifically mention immigration agents.
“There are recent reports of individuals posing as utility workers using high-pressure tactics for home entry,” PGE wrote.
They say that’s a tactic used by scammers.
Northwest Natural wrote: “Our employees will never ask for immediate access to customers’ homes. They often will go to a back or side yard to access a meter."
“Always ask questions," Ruiz said. "If there is someone knocking on your door that you don’t know, ask who they are, if they can identify themselves.”
Both companies say an employee will be wearing a badge that identifies them and urge you to call the police if you suspect they are an imposter.
You can also call PGE or Northwest Natural to verify the person does in fact work for them.
