Oregon’s wine region, particularly the Willamette Valley, has recently faced upheaval due to immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The local wine community is now rattled by the detention of vineyard expert Moises Sotelo, an incident that has impacted many within the industry.
Sotelo was apprehended on June 12 in Newberg while on his way to work. His family reported that this unexpected detention left them emotionally devastated as they navigate immediate legal challenges. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist the family, raising over $136,000 by June 24, highlighting the community’s support.
Sotelo, recognized for his contributions to the wine industry, received the Vineyard Excellence Award from the Oregon Wine Board in 2020. He was actively working on launching his new business, Novo Start Vineyard Service, at the time of his arrest. While ICE reported that Sotelo entered the U.S. illegally in 2006 and that he had a DUI conviction, local reports indicated that no conviction records could be substantiated, and his business website mentions he has been in the U.S. since 1994.
His daughter shared her distress after visiting him in detention, describing the conditions he faced. Reports indicate that he had begun a citizenship application process under the Biden administration.
The detention of Sotelo coincides with increasing anxiety among farm workers, particularly in vineyards and wineries across the country. Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, expressed concern for the safety and well-being of the largely immigrant workforce vital to the wine industry in Oregon. She emphasized the community’s commitment to supporting affected individuals and ensuring they have access to legal resources and advocacy.
As the situation unfolds, the Willamette Valley wine community is collaborating with local organizations to provide assistance and to advocate for the rights and dignity of all who contribute to Oregon’s wine production.