U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Apr. 10 the arrest of Cristobal Felipe-Sarmiento, a Mexican national previously convicted of rape and sodomy, in Salem, Oregon.
The case highlights ongoing debates over public safety and immigration enforcement policies in jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal authorities. ICE officials say such policies can result in individuals with serious criminal convictions being released back into communities rather than transferred to federal custody.
According to ICE, Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested Felipe-Sarmiento on April 9 in Portland, Oregon. He had been convicted in December 2016 for both rape and sodomy in Marion County, Oregon. Additionally, he was previously convicted for driving under the influence in the same county in 2014.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “This dangerous criminal illegal alien should NEVER have been in this country in the first place—let alone RELEASED TWICE by sanctuary politicians following convictions for driving under the influence, rape, and sodomy.” Bis also said: “Oregon sanctuary politicians that continue to release criminal illegal aliens like Cristobal Felipe-Sarmiento into American communities are playing Russian roulette with American lives. The brave men and women of DHS law enforcement are working every day to keep our communities safe by arresting these heinous criminals.”
ICE reported that Felipe-Sarmiento entered the United States at an unknown date and time. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
The agency's announcement underscores tensions between local government policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities and efforts by federal agencies to detain individuals who have committed serious crimes.
