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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Hillsboro community continues to demand answers after a local grandfather was detained by immigration agents in what they claim to be a case of mistaken identity.
A Wednesday morning rally is calling for the release of Victor Cruz, a man from Mexico who has lived in the Hillsboro area for nearly 30 years with no criminal record, according to friends and family.
Despite having Temporary Protected Status and a valid work permit, Cruz was pulled over by ICE agents near SW First Avenue and Jefferson Street on Oct. 14. He has been in custody ever since.
“Many years ago, he was pulled over for the same exact reason. They pulled up the other Victor Cruz,” Cruz’s daughter, Atziri, told KOIN 6 News while interpreting for her mother, Maria Garcia. “So, yes, we believe that he was mistaken for the other Victor.”
Cruz later told his family that on the day of his arrest, after giving an ICE agent his work permit and ID, he was told that “work permits don’t matter anymore.”
According to witnesses, agents told Cruz they were looking for another man named Victor Cruz, who was wanted on DUII charges. Even after realizing they had the wrong person, the family said agents decided to detain him anyway.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici has met with several families in Hillsboro whose loved ones are missing. During an interview with Nexstar, KOIN 6 News’ parent company, she said the increased ICE presence and enforcement have caused a lot of stress for the community she serves.
Bonamici said ICE has the wrong man, adding that his ongoing detention is “unacceptable.”
“He has an injured foot, he has a pacemaker and a heart condition. They picked him up because they thought he had a criminal record, and he is still in detention,” she said. His family’s worried about him. I’m worried about him as my constituent; the community’s worried about him and this increased ICE enforcement without due process by masked agents is creating a lot of fear and harm in the community. It’s inexcusable. It has to stop.”
Cruz’s bond hearing was held on Tuesday, and community members say he was denied bond despite qualifying. His family also claims he has not been properly entered into the ICE locator system, which is a violation of their own policies.
His family has launched a GoFundMe for his release. They are asking the community to contact local and federal representatives to demand his release.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.
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Aimee Plante
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