An Oregon wine country icon is missing, his family desperate for answers, after a stunning early-morning arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has locals reeling.
Moises Sotelo-Casas, 54, isn’t just another name on a government list—he’s the self-made owner of Novo Start Vineyard Service, a decorated vineyard manager, and a beloved neighbor in Newberg, just outside Portland. Now, he’s vanished into the shadowy world of ICE detention, leaving a community in shock.
Arrested Outside a House of Worship
It was supposed to be an ordinary Wednesday. Instead, Sotelo-Casas was swarmed by ICE agents outside St. Michael’s Episcopal Church as he headed to work. By lunchtime, the father of three was locked inside a federal detention facility. According to his daughter, Alondra Sotelo-Garcia, “He was in chains at his feet. His shoelaces, belt, even his wedding ring were gone. He looked like he’d lost everything.”
Family and friends say Sotelo-Casas had lived in the U.S. for nearly three decades, working his way up from “cellar rat” to award-winning business owner—recognized by the Oregon Wine Board in 2020. “He’s not just an employee—he’s a pillar of this community,” said vineyard owner Anthony Van Nice. “He helped build the wine industry here. And now he’s disappeared.”
ICE Claims vs. Local Records: A Battle Over the Truth
Federal officials claim Sotelo-Casas has a 2006 illegal entry and a criminal conviction for DUI in Newberg. But a search by reporters and even the Yamhill County District Attorney’s office revealed no DUI charges on his record—just a handful of speeding tickets over two decades. “ICE is saying one thing, but the court records don’t back them up,” said a frustrated Van Nice. “They’re just rounding people up and making them vanish.”
Where Is He Now? The Family Can’t Get Answers
In a move that has outraged immigrant rights advocates, ICE reportedly transferred Sotelo-Casas from Portland to Tacoma, Washington—then, possibly to Arizona, then back to Tacoma, according to an unreliable online detainee locator. Family members and lawyers say they’re being kept in the dark about his exact whereabouts.
“The ICE official told me they don’t have to inform anyone—not even family or attorneys—when someone is moved or deported,” Van Nice told reporters. “I told him, ‘That can’t be right.’ He just shrugged and said, ‘That’s the way it is.’”
A New Trump Directive Sparks Panic on Farms
The arrest comes just days after President Donald Trump’s new directive ordering ICE to target farm and vineyard workers—an industry where up to 42% of employees are believed to be undocumented. The crackdown has triggered protests nationwide, especially after National Guard troops were deployed to major cities like Los Angeles.
“We built this country on the backs of immigrants,” Van Nice added. “Now, we’re treating them like criminals. It’s a human rights issue.”
Family Launches Fundraiser as Community Fights Back
With Sotelo-Casas as the family’s main breadwinner, his daughter has launched a GoFundMe to cover legal fees and expenses. “We’re devastated,” Alondra said. “We just want our dad home.”
The future for Moises Sotelo-Casas—and thousands like him—remains uncertain, as ICE continues its aggressive raids across America’s farms and fields.
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He is a Criminal. He crossed the border illegally and he must be treated like ALL other Criminals. He must be deported
Illegals must learn English – become citizens – and 30 years later can’t wave Mexico flags – riot and only speak Spanish
you thinks after 3 decades he doesn’t speak english? and you need a lesson. it’s mexican flags, not mexico
it is not a crime. it is a civil offense, not criminal. and civilly it is a misdemeanor.
So he didn’t become a citizen? Stayed ILLEGAL…
All these years and he never applied for citizenship? Pay the price!
buzz, it’s a civil offense, not criminal. and it’s a misdemeanor at that.
Illegal is Illegal and do it right or don’t expect to be treated like a United States Citizen. There is a right way and a wrong way to be here.
Buy American. Hire American. American. Deportation and Tarriff Free.
First stop the undocumented statements/ they aren’t undocumented they are illegals!!!
Yes the country was built on immigration and I’m all for it but legally! The immigration system should be made easier! My wife is a LEGAL immigrant from the Philippines and it was hard for her but now she’s an American citizen. All those steps she took before I met her, bottom line she did it right!!! So can all the rest!! And BTW Philippines citizens speak english so why don’t we make it easier for those hardworking people to come here legally???
Come here legally!! No excuse being here for 30 years & never applied to become a USA citizen.
Sour grapes.
30 years and never tried to be legal.
Just because u think immigration to citizenship is hard doesn’t mean it is. If u want something bad enough u will work for it
The statement was made in this story that, “this country was built on and by immigrants!” That is true but there is a clear definition between the word and definition of the term “immigrant” and “migrant!” Sotelo-Cases was in the U.S. “illegally” and was an illegal migrant! That is a Federal crime! He lived in the U.S. and prospered for many years and could have (should have) applied and gained citizenship! His mistake! His family should have insisted on it as well as his friends and employers! His employers broke the law as well. His mistake is now costing him and his family. ICE/BCP did not do this him. He did it to himself. Deciding to continue living under the radar is not a plan. It’s illegal!
If he is such a great guy then why not get citizenship like others. This is America and you must live the American way. Citizenship the legal way. Speak English. Raise the American flag. Live the American way. I have known people who did the legal way to become citizens. It was so hard on them but they lived through it. They have great jobs, families, part of communities, raise American flag, speak English and respect our laws and contribute to this country. They never received any handouts or caused problems. But they were very upset when they seen so many allowed in the US the last four years and getting free rides and now breaking laws and attacking the US. They actually said they are proud Americans but embarrassed by these people. They don’t make money and send across the boarder, they keep what they earn. They feel the need to give back to the country opened arms to them and are very grateful for their new family. Others should be with this attitude even after their years of separation but say it was so worth it in the end. They would protect America at all costs.