Hillsboro recorded 15 immigration arrests through Oct. 8, the most of any city in Washington County in 2026, according to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC).

The figures, first reported by the Hillsboro News-Times, emerged as neighboring Forest Grove moved toward an independent investigation into an ICE agent's entry into a restricted area of its police station on Wednesday, Oct. 7. PIRC documented 60 total arrests across Washington County from the start of 2026 through Oct. 8, including six in Forest Grove and three in Cornelius. The coalition cautioned that its figures are likely undercounts.

Hillsboro police said they became aware of incidents involving federal agents interacting with community members, according to KATU. No Hillsboro official has publicly addressed the arrest figures.

PIRC coordinator Alyssa Walker Keller told the Statesman Journal on Oct. 8 that the organization had received reports of arrests at or near large retail and grocery stores during a three-day surge. At least 21 Oregonians were detained statewide between Oct. 6 and Oct. 8, advocates said.

Forest Grove police station breach

The arrest data surfaced alongside a growing controversy in Forest Grove. According to Forest Grove Police Chief David Marzilli, officers approached two vehicles parked outside the station shortly after 8 a.m. on Oct. 7. An occupant identified himself as a federal officer and asked to use the restroom. He was escorted into a restricted area and returned to the public lobby about three minutes later.

A community member, Kiley Delgado, recorded video of the agent being escorted out. Delgado disputed the city's restroom explanation, saying she stood outside the door and could hear talking throughout the visit.

Forest Grove maintains the ICE agent neither requested nor received police records or help with immigration enforcement. Marzilli told the Forest Grove News-Times on Oct. 8 that officials did not believe the encounter violated state or local laws.

At a work session on Monday, Oct. 12, the Forest Grove City Council reached a consensus to pursue an external investigation. Assistant City Manager Kim Ezell said the city would hire an investigator without law enforcement ties to determine whether policies were followed. The city also changed its restroom policy to bar federal officers and the public from restricted areas.

Federal lawmakers flag Hillsboro enforcement

The arrest figures add to a pattern of ICE activity in Hillsboro that has drawn attention from federal lawmakers. In September, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley visited the ICE facility in South Portland with Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter.

"We are hearing an intensified operation in east Multnomah County, in Woodburn, in Hillsboro," Merkley said during the September visit, according to KGW.

Video shared on social media by Oregon State Rep. Ricki Ruiz showed ICE agents making an arrest near Century High School in Hillsboro that same month.

The City of Hillsboro maintains an ICE Response Plan and directs residents with urgent immigration concerns to the PIRC hotline at 888-622-1510.