A quiet afternoon in Hillsboro turned into a nightmare for the family of Victor Cruz, a longtime local resident, when federal agents stopped and detained him. The 46-year-old, originally from Mexico, has lived in Hillsboro for nearly three decades. On October 14, masked agents driving an unmarked vehicle pulled him over and took him away.

According to his daughter, Atziri Cruz, Victor has lived and worked legally in Oregon since he was 18 years old. He holds a valid work permit and driver’s license, which he immediately showed to the agents. He believed his documents would clear up any confusion. Instead, they told him his papers “didn’t matter.”

Atziri said her father willingly stepped out of his truck and presented his documents. The agents reportedly tossed them aside and handcuffed him anyway. “They cuffed him and just put him in the back of the car and took him away,” she told reporters. “It was like a kidnapping.”

Within hours, the family learned through the Mexican Consulate that Victor had been taken to the ICE detention facility in Tacoma, Washington. Agents were reportedly looking for another man with the same name who had a criminal record. Despite realizing the mistake, they allegedly kept Victor in custody.

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Family’s Pain and Growing Fear

Two days later, Victor called home for the first time. His daughter said he sounded shaken and tired. He told her that he was being held in a large room with around 80 other people. There were bunk beds stacked close together, constant noise, and very little food.

He said detainees received only three small meals a day, leaving many hungry. He also mentioned it was difficult to sleep because people talked and shouted throughout the night. His daughter said she feared for his health because he has a pacemaker and a heart condition that could worsen under stress.

Victor’s wife, Maria Garcia, said through her daughter that she feels “hurt and betrayed.” She said the family believed they were safe in Oregon, a sanctuary state meant to protect law-abiding immigrants. “We feel let down by our community and our leaders,” Atziri said while translating for her mother.

The family described Victor as a kind, hardworking man who has dedicated his life to supporting his wife, children, and grandchildren. Friends and neighbors in Hillsboro know him as a gentle person who always helps others and works tirelessly to provide for his family.

Political and Community Reactions

The case of Victor Cruz has drawn strong reactions from Oregon’s political leaders. U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, who represents Oregon’s First Congressional District, called the detention “an injustice.” She said that Victor is in the country legally and is a well-regarded member of his community. Bonamici stated that the incident highlights “a pattern of cruelty and fear” in immigration enforcement and encouraged people to report ICE activity to the PIRC hotline.

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U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter, who represents Oregon’s Third District, also expressed outrage. She said she was “horrified by ICE’s conduct” and called the case “another appalling example of abuses of power and racially motivated harassment.” Dexter said she would continue to demand answers and support those ensuring detainees’ rights are respected.

Hillsboro Police Department confirmed that its officers were not involved in the arrest. A police spokesperson said the department does not assist in federal immigration enforcement. Officers only became aware of the situation when Victor’s family called to report him missing that afternoon. Police began a missing person investigation before confirming that he was in ICE custody.

Federal authorities, including DHS and ICE, have not responded to requests for comment.

The incident has left many residents of Hillsboro deeply unsettled. Community members are asking how a person with valid documents, who has lived in the same neighborhood for nearly 30 years, could be detained because of mistaken identity.

Victor’s family continues to speak publicly about their experience, hoping to raise awareness about what they describe as an unjust and frightening ordeal. They say they only want their husband, father, and grandfather to come home safely — and to be treated with the dignity and respect every person deserves.