DHS Arrests Alleged Child Predator at Portland Airport After Sanctuary Policy Release
PORTLAND, Ore. — Federal authorities with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested Manuel Cruz-Ramirez, an illegal immigrant charged with multiple sex crimes, after he was released on bail due to sanctuary policies in Oregon. Cruz-Ramirez, who faces charges including rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse, was initially freed by Marion County officials who did not notify immigration authorities because of the county’s sanctuary status.
The arrest occurred at Portland International Airport when Cruz-Ramirez attempted to travel using a fraudulent Mexican passport. TSA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents flagged the suspect after his falsified identity failed to return complete data in their systems. This led to DHS intervention and his subsequent detention.
“Manuel Cruz-Ramirez was arrested for rape, purchasing sex with a minor, and sexual abuse in Oregon,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told reporters. “The state’s sanctuary politicians allowed this pedophile to be released from jail back into American communities.” The case has reignited debate over sanctuary policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.
Sanctuary jurisdictions, such as Marion County, often restrict the sharing of detainee information with federal immigration agencies to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation. However, critics argue these policies can inadvertently shield dangerous individuals from federal scrutiny. In this instance, Cruz-Ramirez’s release on bail without immigration referral allowed him to remain free until his attempted airport travel exposed his fraudulent documentation.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has emphasized the risks posed by sanctuary policies in cases involving serious criminal allegations. ICE officials have stated that better coordination between local and federal authorities is essential for public safety.
Local activists opposed to ICE operations have staged protests in Portland, highlighting the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement and sanctuary protections. Yet, the arrest of Cruz-Ramirez underscores the challenges law enforcement faces balancing immigrant rights with community safety.
Federal officials continue to investigate the full scope of Cruz-Ramirez’s activities and are coordinating with Oregon authorities to ensure he remains in custody pending trial. The DHS has called on state and local governments to reconsider policies that impede the identification and detention of individuals charged with violent crimes.
As the debate over sanctuary policies intensifies nationwide, this case serves as a stark example of the potential consequences when local jurisdictions limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. For now, Cruz-Ramirez remains detained following his arrest at Portland International Airport, awaiting further legal proceedings.
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