Over 20 people gathered across from Longview Police Department headquarters Monday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Longview, hours after a man was detained by federal agents.
Another handful of demonstrators joined Tuesday afternoon outside the Cowlitz County Jail during the first court appearance of Ramon Tovar-Jimenez, 35, of Longview, who was arrested by Longview police during Monday's federal arrest for allegedly assaulting a federal officer.
Demonstrators say they fear for local immigrants, and questioned if Longview police are working with federal immigration agents.
The police department issued a statement at noon Tuesday stating Longview officers did not participate in Monday's federal arrest, but "will when allowable by federal, state and local laws."
"Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and the City of Longview does not direct, coordinate, or participate in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, which are purely a civil matter," Chief Robert Huhta said in the statement.
Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Thad Scudder granted Tovar-Jimenez's release on his own recognizance from county jail on Tuesday, prompting his wife to cry, while supporters expressed muffled celebrations.
The prosecutor requested $1,000 bail, but Scudder opted to release him without bail.
Tovar-Jimenez responded by giving a thumbs up to his wife.
He is suspected of third-degree assault and obstruction of law enforcement.
About four people protested across the street from the Cowlitz County Jail, with some holding a large sign that read “Cops Everywhere Justice Nowhere!”
Tovar-Jimenez's next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8.
Longview police report federal agents told them Tovar-Jimenez hit a federal officer multiple times during Monday's arrest.
Longview police say the federal officer was visibly injured.
In Cowlitz County Superior Court on Tuesday, prosecutors said Tovar-Jimenez kneed and elbowed a federal officer in the head, making the officer's face red.
"Acts of violence or assaultive behavior cannot be tolerated," Longview Police Department's notice reads. "They are neither lawful nor civilized forms of protest or expression."
Longview police say officers arrested Tovar-Jimenez after a report of a fight involving what a caller suspected were ICE agents at 6:35 a.m. Monday at The Store & Deli, 447 Oregon Way.
When officers arrived at the store across from the Oregon Way Tavern and Holt's Market, the federal officers, wearing tactical gear and markings clearly identifying them, confirmed they had one person in custody, according to the Longview police notice.
However, images shared by witnesses show the vehicle the federal detainee was placed in did not have a license plate.
On Monday, Longview Capt. Tim Watson said the officers who detained the man were ICE agents, but Tuesday's police statement only calls them federal agents.
Representatives from ICE did not immediately answer requests to verify the arrest, and the search function on ICE's online detainee locator system only includes people in custody within the last 48 hours.
However, a relative of the detainee talked to The Daily News, saying he is a 20-year-old who has lived in the area for about five years. He is originally from Mexico and is not a legal resident, the relative said.
Monday demonstrator Erica Ramos, 39, of Longview, said she has known Tovar-Jimenez's wife for over 15 years.
She said the parking lot where he was arrested may have served as a meeting point for day laborers.
"As far as I know, that was the meet up place," said Ramos.
Protester Victoria Reeves, 26, of Longview, said she had "a good conversation" with Huhta in which he explained the department's role in regards to ICE arrests.
Protestor Bentley Freville, 21, of Longview, said he also joined Reeves in the meeting. Freville said he came to Monday's demonstration to support and defend immigrants, and "stand up to the tyranny that is coming from ICE."
Demonstrators held signs and screamed chants into bullhorns such as, "Say it loud, it's clear; immigrants are welcomed here," and "all of ICE has got to go."
Some drivers honked their horns in solidarity, while one driver flipped off protesters while driving east on Hudson.
On demonstrator wore a sombrero and a Mexican flag as a cape while holding a small sign that read "F**k ICE."
Another protester, Pam McCutcheon, 56, of Kelso, held a sign that read "Keep the immigrants/Deport the racists," and questioned if Monday's ICE agents were following the law.
ICE previously confirmed an arrest on Aug. 6 in the 1500 block of Third Avenue in Longview, near the Hall of Justice.
Huhta's statement aimed to maintain confidence in local law enforcement.
"The City of Longview and the Longview Police Department are committed to treating all persons with professionalism and fairness," he writes. "Immigration status plays no role in day-to-day policing, and community trust remains essential to effective public safety."
