A previously deported illegal immigrant is facing charges for stabbing an 86-year-old man in Clackamas County, Oregon, renewing criticism of the U.S. government’s inability to secure the border. The December 27 attack, carried out by 31-year-old Jesus Ascencio-
Molina, highlights the risks Americans face from lax immigration enforcement.
Ascencio-Molina, a Mexican national with a long criminal history, had been deported in 2013 but returned to the U.S., where he has since faced multiple charges. In this latest incident, Ascencio-Molina allegedly attacked the elderly man in a Fred Meyer parking lot during a carjacking attempt. The suspect fled on foot after stabbing the victim, who was later treated for his injuries at a local hospital.
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 apprehended Ascencio-Molina at a nearby apartment complex. He now faces charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree assault. However, critics argue that he should never have been in the country to commit this crime in the first place.
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
Sanctuary state policies in Oregon prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. This has allowed repeat offenders like Ascencio-Molina to remain in the community. In 2018, he was arrested for attempted murder involving a nail gun, but the case was dismissed. A prior theft charge in 2016 was also dropped.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed state laws restrict inquiries into a suspect’s immigration status, frustrating critics who argue these policies prioritize illegal immigrants over public safety. This tragedy, they say, is the result of decades of government corruption that has failed to secure the border and protect American citizens.
Ascencio-Molina is being held without bail in Clackamas County Jail. Federal authorities have not announced whether they plan to take further action in the case.
