80% of over 100 defendants arrested for fentanyl trafficking in Portland are illegal aliens from Honduras: US Attorney's Office

The US Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon announced on Tuesday that more than 80 percent of the roughly 100 defendants federally charged with trafficking fentanyl in Portland are illegal aliens from Honduras and Mexico. The apprehensions began in 2023 and remain ongoing as federal and local authorities work to rid the sanctuary city of drug-related criminal activity.

As a result of the crackdown on open-air drug markets, authorities have seized more than 100 kilograms of fentanyl, 40 guns, and $1.3 million in proceeds. "That is enough fentanyl to kill 50 million people, or Oregon's population, 11 times," the US Attorney's Office said in a press release.

Scott Bradford, the Oregon US Attorney, vowed to prosecute and imprison anyone involved with the fentanyl drug trade in downtown Portland, an area that has been riddled with years-long open-air drug abuse, resulting in overdose deaths and an increase in crime.

"Three years ago, downtown Portland had notorious open-air drug markets and was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Downtown fentanyl dealers, many of whom were armed, were contributing to higher crime rates and overdoses," said Bradford. "To many people, downtown Portland simply felt unsafe – and it was. As a result of these joint efforts, we are changing that."

On March 23, 2025, Luis Carlos Moreno-Mencia, of Honduras, was sentenced to 60 months in prison after pleading guilty to fentanyl distribution. The armed illegal alien was found in possession of 167 kilograms of fentanyl, according to court documents.

On December 13, 2024, Olvin Fabricio Diaz-Centeno was sentenced to 87 months in prison for his large role in a Honduran fentanyl trafficking ring. A search of the residence discovered firearms, ammunition, and equipment for processing fentanyl, as well as counterfeit M30 pills laced with fentanyl powder, court records show.

On June 5, 2025, Bexon Calix-Rivera was sentenced to 78 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He sold several illicit narcotics in the downtown corridor and was busted with firearms, according to court documents.

On May 11, 2026, Cristian Laines-Hernandez was sentenced to 27 months in prison after being caught in possession of 45 bags of prepackaged fentanyl.

These are just a few of the illegal alien defendants who have been, or are actively being, prosecuted. All of them face deportation upon the completion of their prison terms.

"To anyone dealing dangerous drugs downtown: it's not a matter of if we catch you - it's when," said Portland FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson.

Members of the public can report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activity by calling (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.