PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Victor Cruz, a longtime Hillsboro resident from Mexico who had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for more than three weeks, has been released, according to his family. The 56-year-old grandfather’s arrest had sparked public outrage, with supporters calling his detention a case of mistaken identity.
A Longtime Resident With Legal Status
Cruz has lived in the Hillsboro area for nearly 30 years and has no criminal record, according to his family and community advocates. He holds Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and a valid work permit, allowing him to live and work legally in the United States.
Despite this, Cruz was reportedly pulled over by ICE agents near SW First Avenue and Jefferson Street in Hillsboro on October 14. His family said that after he presented his work permit and identification, one of the agents dismissed his documents, allegedly telling him, “Work permits don’t matter anymore.”
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Following the stop, Cruz was taken into ICE custody and transferred to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, where he remained detained for over three weeks.
Mistaken Identity Sparks Outrage
According to multiple witnesses, ICE agents initially claimed they were searching for another man named Victor Cruz, who was wanted on DUII charges. Family members said that even after agents realized they had the wrong person, they chose to keep him detained.
This decision quickly drew criticism from immigrant rights advocates and public officials, who argued that Cruz’s detention highlighted deep flaws in the immigration enforcement system.
Community and Political Support
In the weeks following Cruz’s arrest, members of the Oregon community rallied in his defense. Metro Councilor Juan Carlos González, local activists, and community groups organized calls, petitions, and public demonstrations demanding his release.
Their efforts gained further traction when Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici intervened. She sent a formal letter to ICE leadership urging immediate action and personally visited Cruz at the Tacoma detention center earlier in the week.
Congresswoman Bonamici Responds
After learning of Cruz’s release, Congresswoman Bonamici issued a strong statement condemning ICE’s handling of the case.
“Victor Cruz is an upstanding member of the Hillsboro community who never should have been detained by ICE,” Bonamici said. “I’m grateful that his wrongful detention has come to an end and that he is reunited with his family. I met with Victor at the ICE facility in Tacoma earlier this week and appreciated his kindness and strength despite his wrongful detention.”
She added that she plans to push for accountability:
“It is unacceptable that ICE continues to terrorize communities and tear families apart. I will do everything I can to hold those responsible accountable.”
Family Expresses Relief and Gratitude
Cruz’s daughter, Atziri Cruz, confirmed his release on Friday in an interview with KOIN 6 News Reporter Joelle Jones. She said her father is back home in Hillsboro and resting with family members after the stressful ordeal.
“He’s just happy to be home,” Atziri said. “We’re thankful for everyone who stood by us and fought for his freedom. We knew from the beginning that he had done nothing wrong.”
The family credited the community’s support and their legal team’s persistence for helping secure Cruz’s release.
Advocates Call for Systemic Change
Immigrant rights advocates say Cruz’s case underscores ongoing issues within ICE enforcement practices, including mistaken detentions and lack of accountability. They argue that individuals with legal immigration status, like Cruz, are increasingly vulnerable to wrongful arrests under aggressive enforcement tactics.
“This is not an isolated case,” one local advocate stated. “Victor’s story is a reminder that even law-abiding immigrants can find themselves targeted. We need transparency and reform.”
A Broader National Context
Cruz’s release comes amid renewed debate over the role of ICE and its actions in local communities. Civil rights organizations have long criticized the agency for detaining individuals with valid documentation or unclear identification, often causing severe emotional and financial strain on families.
Meanwhile, federal judges have recently issued rulings limiting certain ICE operations, including a permanent block on National Guard deployment in Portland for immigration enforcement activities.
Moving Forward
While the family celebrates Victor Cruz’s return home, they remain cautious. His attorney is reportedly exploring options to ensure that his immigration status is clearly documented in national databases to prevent future errors.
For now, Cruz’s case stands as a victory for community advocacy — and a reminder of the challenges immigrants can face even after decades of lawful residency.
