PORTLAND, OR – Federal authorities arrested a Mexican national at Portland International Airport on February 12 while he attempted to leave the country using a fraudulent passport, just days after being released on bail for charges including rape and sexual abuse of a minor.
Manuel Cruz-Ramirez, 34, was detained by Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection agents when discrepancies in his falsified identification documents triggered security alerts during routine screening procedures.
Cruz-Ramirez had been arrested earlier this month by Marion County authorities on charges of rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse. However, due to the county’s sanctuary policies, immigration officials were not notified of his arrest or subsequent release on bail.
According to Department of Homeland Security records, Cruz-Ramirez was previously deported from the United States in 2018 but illegally re-entered the country at an unknown time and location. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has now taken custody of the suspect and reinstated his removal order.
“Criminal illegal aliens should not be released from jails back onto our streets,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. “Americans can be proud of the swift actions of TSA and CBP for protecting them and our judicial system by preventing this individual from fleeing the country.”
The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local sanctuary policies. In jurisdictions without sanctuary designations, Cruz-Ramirez would have been referred to immigration officers before his release from custody.
Federal authorities noted that Cruz-Ramirez’s attempt to flee came as he still faced the pending criminal charges in Oregon state court. The fraudulent passport was detected when his falsified identity failed to return complete records in federal databases.
The arrest occurred amid increased federal immigration enforcement activities in the Portland area, which have drawn protests from local activist groups. ICE operations in Oregon have faced organized opposition, with some demonstrations leading to street closures and confrontations with federal agents.
Cruz-Ramirez remains in federal custody pending resolution of both his criminal charges and immigration proceedings. The case will likely reignite debate over cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Why would he be released on bond being a flight risk? SMDH Oh, wait, it’s a liberal sanctuary city…never mind.