Orozco Released, Returns To Froid

Froid’s Roberto Orozco-Ramirez was released from Cascade Detention Center in Great Falls May 14 after more than 100 days in a variety of detention centers across multiple states. Judge Brian Morris in Great Falls ordered his release May 13, writing that his ongoing detention was illegal: “The Court orders the Government to release Orozco from custody within 24 hours of this Order, under appropriate conditions of release, and to facilitate his transportation from the detention facility by notifying his counsel when and where he can be collected.”

When Orozco made it home to Froid Thursday evening, Main Street was lined with cars and trucks filled with area residents, supporters and first responders, despite a windstorm. By Saturday morning, the Orozco family was in the audience at Froid High School graduation.

Orozco had been held since January on a charge of illegal re-entry, which was eventually dropped. In his ruling, Judge Morris emphasized the right to due process and wrote that the government’s arguments on immigration law were erroneous.

Community support for Orozco in the Froid area has been strong, with dozens of supporters making multiple trips to Great Falls for hearings. A Feb. 28 fundraiser saw hundreds in attendance and tens of thousands raised.

Attorney Laura Christoffersen spoke to Montana Free Press on the day of Orozco’s release. “The credit here is all due to the good people of Froid, my hometown,” she said, “of which I am so proud.”