A long-standing and respected figure in Oregon's prestigious wine industry is confronting the prospect of being forcibly removed from the United States, sparking outrage and concern within his community. Candelario 'Cande' Vazquez, a 43-year-old vineyard manager, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in late December 2025 and now faces deportation to Mexico, a country he left over twenty years ago.
A Life and Career Built in Oregon
Cande Vazquez arrived in the United States from Mexico in the early 2000s. Over the subsequent two decades, he meticulously built a life, a family, and a sterling professional reputation. Based in Newberg, within the renowned Willamette Valley, Vazquez rose to become the vineyard manager at a prominent local winery. His expertise in cultivating Pinot Noir grapes is widely acknowledged, with colleagues and employers describing him as "irreplaceable" and the "backbone" of the operation.
His arrest did not occur at his workplace but at his home. According to reports, ICE officers arrived at his residence on the morning of 27 December 2025. He was taken into custody and transferred to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, where he remains detained while his legal team files appeals.
Legal Complexities and Community Backlash
The legal grounds for Vazquez's detention and potential removal stem from an old deportation order issued in 2005. His lawyers argue that he was not properly notified of this order at the time. Furthermore, they emphasise that Vazquez has no criminal record and has been a consistent taxpayer. His case has become a flashpoint, illustrating the complex and often harsh realities of US immigration enforcement, even for individuals deeply embedded in and contributing to their local economies.
The response from Oregon's tight-knit wine community has been one of swift and vocal support. A campaign advocating for his release has gained significant momentum. An online petition has gathered tens of thousands of signatures, and fellow vintners have been lobbying political representatives. They argue that deporting Vazquez would not only be a personal tragedy but also a substantial blow to the regional industry, which relies heavily on skilled agricultural labour.
Broader Implications for Policy and Industry
This case throws a stark light on the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy in the United States. It raises difficult questions about the prioritisation of enforcement actions and the human cost of removing long-term residents with deep community ties. For the Oregon wine industry, Vazquez's situation underscores a persistent vulnerability. The sector, like much of American agriculture, depends on immigrant labour, and stories like this contribute to an atmosphere of fear and instability for workers.
As his legal battle continues, the outcome for Cande Vazquez remains uncertain. His supporters hope that a combination of public pressure and legal argument will convince authorities to exercise discretion and allow him to remain with his family and continue his work. For now, his fate hangs in the balance, serving as a potent symbol of the wider national debate on immigration, belonging, and economic contribution.
