Orozco Hearing Moved Up To May 12

A planned hearing for Froid’s Roberto Orozco-Ramirez has been moved up to Tuesday, May 12, in Great Falls. Following months of detention and moves to facilities in four states, Orozco was returned to Great Falls after Judge Brian Morris ordered a hearing on his petition for writ of habeas corpus.

Orozco’s lawyers filed the petition after the felony criminal charge of illegal reentry against Orozco was dismissed by a federal judge April 12.

Advocates for Orozco’s release include Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick, who wrote a letter to the court stating, “Now that the illegal reentry charge is dismissed, Mr. Orozco Ramirez should be released from custody and allowed to return to his community and family, who depend and rely on him, We want Mr. Orozco Ramirez back in our community and his family needs to have him at home.”

Dozens of supporters have traveled the more than 700 mile round trip to Great Falls to support Orozco and his family since his surrender to authorities in January. Organizers in Froid are planning another show of support at the May 12 hearing.

Local individuals interested in joining the group should reach out to Marvin Qualley or Laurie Young on Facebook.