Senator Patty Murray has publicly condemned the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following an incident in which she claims officers used an “attack dog” against her constituent, Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, in Vancouver, Washington. The senator’s allegations emphasize broader concerns regarding ICE’s deportation practices under the Trump administration.
On November 14, 2023, Toledo-Martinez was reportedly lured out of his home, where he was “violently attacked and dragged away,” according to Murray. Family members, including his wife and two young children, ages two and three, witnessed the incident. “They sicced the dog on him; had him on the ground, hitting him,” stated John Williams Sr., who has been assisting Toledo-Martinez’s family during this distressing time.
Murray has criticized the current administration’s deportation policies, arguing they disproportionately target vulnerable individuals. “Trump is not going after violent criminals or the worst of the worst—he is terrorizing everyone, including U.S. citizens and their loved ones,” she said. The senator has called for the immediate release of Toledo-Martinez from the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, citing his lack of criminal convictions and urgent medical needs following the incident.
Witness accounts indicate that ICE agents misled Toledo-Martinez to step outside under false pretenses, claiming he would receive medical attention. Video footage taken by his wife shows the chaos surrounding the arrest, with officers not wearing body cameras during the event. According to Toledo-Martinez’s attorney, he was denied medical care for hours after the attack, eventually receiving treatment that included stitches and medication.
Toledo-Martinez, who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 15, is married to a U.S. citizen and has three children who are U.S. citizens. His attorney, advocating for his release, emphasized the need for proper training among law enforcement officials. “You shouldn’t have to lie or manipulate,” they stated, expressing concern over the tactics used by ICE.
Murray’s call for action reflects a growing sentiment among community members regarding the treatment of undocumented individuals. “Every one of us must speak out against these kinds of human rights abuses,” she urged. Meanwhile, family members continue to struggle with the emotional toll of the situation. “It’s hard on the kids to watch them break down,” Williams Sr. remarked, highlighting the distress faced by Toledo-Martinez’s family.
As the situation develops, the community remains watchful. Murray’s outcry serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement practices and their impact on families. The senator’s plea for justice resonates with many who advocate for reform in the treatment of immigrants, urging that innocent individuals should not be subjected to such extreme measures.
