Mexican National Previously Deported in 2018 Arrested at Portland Airport on Illegal Reentry
PORTLAND, Ore. — A Mexican national, who was returned to his country of origin in June 2018, appeared in federal court in Portland last Thursday, charged with illegal reentry into the USA.
Manuel Cruz-Ramirez (38) appeared in court on an amended indictment that includes first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, and purchasing sex from a minor.
According to court documents, Cruz-Ramirez was apprehended on February 3, 2026, when a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer encountered him at a terminal checkpoint at Portland International Airport, where he had presented a Mexican passport in the name of an alias.
The TSA officer alerted Customs and Border Protection, and fingerprints established his identity as Cruz-Ramirez, an extradited illegal immigrant.
A review of his immigration file and electronic bases established that Cruz-Ramirez entered the United States on June 25, 2018, and was placed on expedited removal proceedings the following day. He was sent back to Mexico on June 28, 2018.
Cruz-Ramirez is in detention pending further court proceedings.
- Jun 25, 2018: Entered the United States.
- Jun 26, 2018: Placed in expedited removal proceedings.
- Jun 28, 2018: Removed to Mexico.
- Feb 3, 2026: Encountered at PDX checkpoint using an alias passport; fingerprints confirmed identity.
- Feb 5, 2026: First federal court appearance in Portland; held in detention.