Immigration Authorities Capture Convicted Sex Offender in Portland

An illegal immigrant with a criminal record has been apprehended by immigration agents after a long-standing sexual assault case dating back to Independence Day 2018. The suspect, Kevin Contreras-Mendoza, a 27-year-old Mexican national, followed and assaulted a woman on a Portland street, grabbing her from behind and groping her as she called for help. Despite being convicted of the assault in 2019, local authorities released him into the community due to sanctuary laws in Oregon, which restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Contreras-Mendoza had illegally entered the U.S. at an undisclosed time by crossing the border. DHS officials noted that Oregon was among the earliest states to adopt sanctuary policies, effectively limiting local cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite a DHS detainer request for his transfer to federal custody, local authorities ignored the request and allowed him to remain free.

The assault was witnessed by bystanders who pursued and eventually captured Contreras-Mendoza in September 2018. ICE subsequently lodged a detainer, but it was disregarded, leading to his release into the general population.

ICE finally apprehended him in connection with the 2018 crime. DHS officials emphasized that, thanks to federal efforts and leadership, sexual predators like Contreras-Mendoza are being removed from communities. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented, “Americans are safer with this sicko off our streets.”

Despite Oregon’s sanctuary status, federal authorities plan to continue targeting illegal immigrants, including in sanctuary states. Former President Trump has criticized these policies, claiming they are exploited to expand voter bases and access welfare, and has pushed legislation to enhance deportation efforts with increased funding to hold thousands of detainees at once.