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Marion Today
By the People, for the People
Illegal Migrant Charged with Rape and Child Sex Abuse Arrested in Oregon After Release on Bail
Arrest highlights concerns over sanctuary policies and their impact on public safety
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested an illegal immigrant in Oregon, Manuel Cruz-Ramirez, who was charged with serious crimes including rape and purchasing sex with a minor. Cruz-Ramirez, who had previously been deported, was released on bail due to Marion County's sanctuary policies, before being apprehended by DHS at the Portland International Airport while attempting to use a fraudulent Mexican passport.
Why it matters
This case underscores the ongoing debate surrounding sanctuary jurisdictions and their implications for public safety. Critics argue that such policies enable the release of dangerous individuals back into communities, while proponents contend that they build trust between law enforcement and immigrant populations. The arrest of Cruz-Ramirez, a repeat offender, raises questions about the effectiveness of existing immigration enforcement mechanisms and the need for stricter protocols.
The details
According to DHS, Cruz-Ramirez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was arrested after TSA and CBP agents at the Portland airport detected that he was attempting to use a falsified Mexican passport. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that Cruz-Ramirez was charged with serious crimes, including rape and purchasing sex with a minor, and that Marion County's sanctuary policies enabled his release on bail, allowing him to potentially re-offend.
- Cruz-Ramirez was previously deported in 2018 but re-entered the country.
- He was arrested by DHS at the Portland International Airport on February 13, 2026.
The players
Manuel Cruz-Ramirez
An illegal immigrant from Mexico who was charged with rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse, and was previously deported in 2018 but re-entered the country.
Tricia McLaughlin
DHS Assistant Secretary who stated that Cruz-Ramirez was charged with serious crimes and that Marion County's sanctuary policies enabled his release on bail.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The federal agency that arrested Cruz-Ramirez at the Portland International Airport.
Marion County
The county in Oregon that has sanctuary policies, which enabled the release of Cruz-Ramirez on bail despite his criminal charges.
What they’re saying
“Criminal illegal aliens should not be released from jails back onto our streets to terrorize more innocent Americans.”
— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary (Fox News)
What’s next
DHS has urged Oregon officials to reconsider their sanctuary policies, and the department has been pushing for cooperation from other states to combat the release of dangerous individuals back into communities.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing debate over sanctuary policies and their impact on public safety. It underscores the need for stricter immigration enforcement mechanisms and cooperation between federal and local authorities to prevent the release of individuals charged with serious crimes, such as Cruz-Ramirez, back into communities.
