Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested a Mexican national in Salem, Oregon, on April 9 who had prior convictions for rape and sodomy, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The arrest follows the individual’s prior release from local custody. It places him back in federal detention pending immigration proceedings, as officials continue enforcement actions involving individuals with prior criminal convictions.
Cristobal Felipe-Sarmiento was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations in Portland, a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement responsible for criminal investigations. Federal officials said the arrest was part of a targeted operation conducted in the Salem area.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Felipe-Sarmiento was convicted in Marion County, Oregon, in December 2016 of rape and sodomy. Court records also show a prior conviction for driving under the influence in 2014 in the same county.
Federal authorities said Felipe-Sarmiento had previously been released from local custody following those convictions before being taken into immigration custody during the April 9 operation. Officials did not provide additional details regarding the circumstances or timing of those releases.
“This individual has prior convictions for serious offenses and is now in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings,” Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said.
Authorities said Felipe-Sarmiento entered the United States at an unknown time and location. He remains in immigration custody while officials proceed with removal-related proceedings.
Illegal alien RAPIST released TWICE by sanctuary politicians ARRESTED by ICE.
DHS law enforcement has arrested Cristobal Felipe-Sarmiento, an illegal alien from Mexico previously convicted of rape and sodomy. He also has a conviction for driving under the influence from 2014 in… pic.twitter.com/w6LDWNxuAX
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 11, 2026
Homeland Security Investigations, which carried out the arrest, is a federal law enforcement agency within Immigration and Customs Enforcement that conducts criminal investigations related to transnational crime, public safety threats, and immigration enforcement operations.
Federal officials said enforcement actions such as this are part of ongoing efforts to locate and detain individuals with prior criminal convictions who may be subject to immigration enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security did not release additional information regarding whether further charges are pending or provide a timeline for potential removal proceedings.
Officials also did not indicate whether additional individuals were involved in the case or whether the arrest was connected to a broader investigation.
Felipe-Sarmiento remains in ICE custody as of April 11.
