Alleged Child Predator Arrested at Portland Airport After Sanctuary Policies Allowed Release

DHS apprehended the suspect, an illegal immigrant charged with rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse, after he was released on bail due to Oregon's sanctuary policies.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested an illegal immigrant from Mexico, Manuel Cruz-Ramirez, at the Portland International Airport. Cruz-Ramirez was charged with rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse in Oregon, but was released on bail due to the state's sanctuary policies. He was only apprehended when TSA and CBP agents flagged him for using a fraudulent Mexican passport at the airport.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around sanctuary policies, which critics argue allow dangerous criminals to be released back into communities. DHS officials argue that without cooperation from local authorities, they are unable to detain and deport illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes.

The details

According to DHS, Cruz-Ramirez had previously been deported from the U.S. in 2018, but re-entered the country at an unknown location and time. When he was arrested in Oregon, the state's sanctuary policies prevented local authorities from referring him to immigration officers, allowing him to be released on bail despite the serious charges he faced.

  • In 2018, Cruz-Ramirez was previously deported from the U.S.
  • On February 13, 2026, Cruz-Ramirez was arrested at the Portland International Airport

The players

Manuel Cruz-Ramirez

An illegal immigrant from Mexico who was charged with rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse in Oregon.

Tricia McLaughlin

DHS Assistant Secretary who criticized Oregon's sanctuary policies for allowing Cruz-Ramirez to be released on bail.

Kristi Noem

DHS Secretary who noted the difference in law enforcement cooperation between cities like Minneapolis/St. Paul and those with far-left leaders.

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What they’re saying

“Americans can be proud of the swift actions of TSA and CBP for protecting them and our judicial system by preventing this monster from fleeing the country.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary (Fox News)

“Oregon's sanctuary politicians must stop this reckless insanity of releasing child predators from jail back into our neighborhoods to prey on more innocent children.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary (Fox News)

What’s next

DHS stated that Cruz-Ramirez's removal order has been re-instated and he is now in ICE custody.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around sanctuary policies, with critics arguing they allow dangerous criminals to be released back into communities, while supporters say they build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. The arrest of Cruz-Ramirez at the Portland airport underscores the tensions between federal and local authorities on immigration enforcement.