The City of Bend Police Department confirmed that federal agents had arrived on the scene, but local police did not help them. Police Chief Mike Krantz said the department was made aware that ICE agents were in town for an investigation, “however, we were not made aware of their detailed plans.”
Federal agents have since left the area, police said, and the protesters have dispersed “peacefully.”
Acting DHS Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli said the presence of law enforcement officers was two undocumented individuals with “a history of criminal violent behavior.”
“While ICE respects the rights of individuals to vote peacefully, this does not imply illegal interference with their federal law enforcement duty,” Cuccinelli said in a statement. “ICE will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its officers and detainees, and will vigorously pursue protective measures against anyone who obstructs them.”
“Despite tough challenges, ICE remains committed to our mission for public safety and ICE officials will continue their sworn duty to pursue dangerous criminal aliens and other immigration perpetrators. ICE seeks direct cooperation with state and local law enforcement and has never asked for it” to enforce federal immigration law. “
The district attorney for Deschutes County, where the town of Bend is located, also commented on the ongoing situation.
“I was on the stage of the stand-off with ICE and was impressed by the passion and empathy shown by our community,” Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said in a tweet. He added that both he, the governor, the mayor and the police chief “have tried to make a resolution with DHS, to no avail.”
“We are here,” he tweeted to acting DHS secretary Chad Wolf, “let’s work it out.”
CNN has reached out to the governor’s office for comment.
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