Authorities in Clackamas County, Oregon, have charged an illegal immigrant with multiple crimes after he allegedly stabbed an 86-year-old man in a grocery store parking lot. The attack occurred on December 27, highlighting the dangers of sanctuary state policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The suspect, 31-year-old Jesus Ascencio-Molina, is a Mexican national who had previously been deported from the United States in 2013. According to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Ascencio-Molina approached the elderly victim as he was loading groceries into his car. When the victim resisted an apparent carjacking attempt, the suspect allegedly stabbed him multiple times before fleeing on foot.
Ngo investigates: An illegal Mexican with a violent history & prior deportation is taking advantage of Oregon's sanctuary laws. Previously a suspect in an attempted murder, he was just arrested over the stabbing of an 86-year-old in an attempted carjacking.https://t.co/Hzoh2InBvs
— Andy Ngo 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) January 5, 2025
Law enforcement tracked Ascencio-Molina to a nearby apartment complex, where he was arrested. He now faces charges including second-degree attempted murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Woman claims Americans are being run out of apartments to make room for Venezualan migrants in Eugene, Oregon. Says she doesn’t feel safe there anymore and is hoping to get out of the city. pic.twitter.com/hrw2OEf9EX
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 12, 2024
Witnesses at the scene described Ascencio-Molina to deputies, who provided lifesaving first aid to the victim before he was transported to a local hospital. The victim, who survived the attack, told deputies he did not know the suspect.
This is not the first violent crime associated with Ascencio-Molina. In 2018, he was arrested for an attempted murder involving a nail gun. That case, along with a prior theft charge, was dismissed. Critics argue that Oregon’s sanctuary state policies, which prohibit law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status, enable repeat offenders like Ascencio-Molina to remain in communities unchecked.
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the state’s restrictive policies, stating that Oregon law forbids local agencies from inquiring about immigration status or place of birth. Despite this, Ascencio-Molina’s extensive criminal record has come under scrutiny, with many questioning why previous charges were dismissed.
At the time of his arrest, Ascencio-Molina was being held without bail in the Clackamas County Jail. Authorities have not commented on whether federal immigration officials are involved in the case.
