Illegal Immigrant Arrested at Oregon Airport After Sanctuary Release

Manuel Cruz-Ramirez, charged with rape and sexual abuse, was able to evade immigration authorities 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 after he was released on bail in Oregon despite facing charges of rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse. Cruz-Ramirez had previously been deported in 2018 but re-entered the country at an unknown time. DHS officials criticized Oregon's sanctuary policies for allowing Cruz-Ramirez to be released back into the community instead of being referred to immigration authorities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies and their impact on public safety. Critics argue that such policies allow dangerous criminals to avoid deportation and continue to pose a threat to local communities, while supporters say they build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. The arrest of Cruz-Ramirez at the airport underscores the potential risks of sanctuary policies, especially when it comes to individuals accused of serious crimes like sexual assault.

The details

According to DHS, Cruz-Ramirez was arrested at the Portland International Airport while using a fraudulent Mexican passport. TSA and Customs and Border Protection agents were alerted when his falsified name did not return full data. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that Cruz-Ramirez had been charged with rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse in Oregon, but the state's sanctuary policies allowed him to be released from jail back into the community instead of being referred to immigration authorities.

  • Cruz-Ramirez was deported from the U.S. in 2018.
  • Cruz-Ramirez re-entered the country at an unknown location and time.

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 back into the community.

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What they’re saying

“Manuel Cruz-Ramirez was arrested for rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse in Oregon. The state's sanctuary politicians allowed this pedophile to be released from jail back into American communities.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary (Fox News Digital)

“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. 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 Digital)

“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 Digital)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies and their impact on public safety, with critics arguing that such policies allow dangerous criminals to avoid deportation and continue to pose a threat to local communities.