Agencies Intercept Fugitive Suspect at Portland Airport Following Release on Bail
Federal authorities have apprehended a Mexican national and repeated immigration violator attempting to flee the United States, just months after he was released on bail while facing severe sex crime charges in Oregon.
Manuel Cruz-Ramirez, 38, was taken into custody on February 3, 2026, at Portland International Airport (PDX). According to the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Cruz-Ramirez was attempting to board an international flight using a fraudulent Mexican passport under an alias.
Airport Interception and Identification
The arrest occurred at a security checkpoint when a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer flagged Cruz-Ramirez’s travel document for failing to return complete data during screening. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers were immediately notified and utilized biometric fingerprint analysis to confirm his true identity.
Following the identification, Cruz-Ramirez was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). He has since been charged in federal court with illegal reentry after deportation, a felony under U.S. immigration law.
Background of Charges and Immigration History
A “Deep Search” into court records reveals a complex legal history involving both state and federal violations:
2018 Deportation: Records indicate Cruz-Ramirez entered the U.S. unlawfully in June 2018 and was removed to Mexico days later under expedited removal proceedings. He subsequently re-entered the U.S. at an undisclosed time and location.
2025 Sex Crime Charges: In 2025, Cruz-Ramirez was arrested in Marion County, Oregon. He faces an amended indictment including charges of rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and purchasing sex with a minor.
Release on Bail: Despite the gravity of the charges, Cruz-Ramirez was released on bail by Marion County authorities. Federal officials have publicly criticized this release, citing local “sanctuary” policies that restrict cooperation between local jails and federal immigration authorities, preventing an automatic detainer that would have kept him in custody.
Objections and Legal Context
While federal officials have characterized Cruz-Ramirez as a flight risk and a danger to the community, legal observers note that sanctuary policies are often defended by local advocates as necessary to ensure immigrant communities cooperate with local police without fear of deportation.
Furthermore, regarding the specific charges of rape and sexual abuse filed in Marion County, Cruz-Ramirez retains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. His defense counsel has not yet released a statement regarding the airport arrest or the allegations of fleeing prosecution. The federal charge of illegal reentry is separate from the state-level sex crime accusations.
Current Status
Following his initial appearance in federal court, a U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered Cruz-Ramirez detained pending further proceedings. Authorities stated that his prior removal order has been reinstated, though he must first face the adjudication of the criminal charges pending against him.
wfmd.com
dhs.gov
infowars.com
justice.gov
rightnoworegon.com
newstral.com
