An illegal immigrant with a violent criminal history has been charged with stabbing an elderly man during a carjacking attempt in Oregon. The attack has renewed criticism of sanctuary state laws that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Jesus Ascencio-Molina following the December 27 incident at a Fred Meyer parking lot. Witnesses reported seeing Ascencio-Molina flee on foot after stabbing the 86-year-old victim, who was loading groceries into his car.
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
Deputies provided first aid to the victim, who was later transported to a local hospital. The suspect was located at a nearby apartment complex and arrested. Ascencio-Molina, who had been deported in 2013, now faces charges of 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
Ascencio-Molina’s criminal record includes a 2018 arrest for attempted murder with a nail gun, though the case was dismissed. Critics of Oregon’s sanctuary policies say these laws allow dangerous individuals to remain in communities without proper oversight.
Oregon law prohibits local authorities from inquiring about a suspect’s immigration status. Clackamas County officials confirmed that these restrictions apply in all cases, regardless of severity. Federal authorities have not commented on whether they are involved in this case.
The victim survived the attack and provided key details to deputies, identifying Ascencio-Molina as the suspect. The motive appears to have been an attempted carjacking, though Ascencio-Molina fled when he failed to steal the vehicle.
Ascencio-Molina is currently held without bail in the Clackamas County Jail. Critics of sanctuary laws argue that such policies endanger public safety and shield repeat offenders.
