Oregon tribal police place 'Israeli' veteran on leave, open investigation

Officer Melina Suarez has been placed on leave pending an internal investigation following online backlash over her previous service in the ‘Israeli’ military.

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Police Department announced Suarez’s leave and the investigation in a statement posted to its Facebook page, saying it was aware of community concerns surrounding her military service.

The controversy began after the department shared a post celebrating Suarez’s graduation from a 16-week police training program. The post prompted users to raise questions about her previous military service in ‘Israel’.

The department said it could not comment further while the investigation remains active, adding that the matter would be handled appropriately.

Suarez traveled to ‘Israel’ on vacation in October 2023 before enlisting in the ‘Israeli’ military, according to information circulating online. She reportedly served in a combat search-and-rescue unit during ‘Israeli’ military operations in Gaza.

She also reportedly organized local fundraising efforts in Oregon to collect supplies for ‘Israeli’ soldiers.

After returning to the United States, Suarez joined the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Police Department and completed its 16-week police training program.

The backlash intensified after a photo circulated online appearing to show Suarez holding prayer beads that were allegedly taken from a home in Gaza.

The image, which circulated alongside photos from her police academy graduation, prompted further criticism and questions over her previous military service and how US police departments assess applicants with military backgrounds abroad.