Orozco Faces Charges In Federal Court
Froid’s Roberto Orozco-Ramirez remains in custody in Great Falls at press time Feb. 2 on charges of illegal reentry into the country and threatening a federal officer. An initial hearing was held Jan. 28 and another hearing is set for Feb. 5 to determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed. A detention hearing is set for Feb. 9.
Area residents have been actively supporting Orozco and his family, with 14 community and family members traveling more than 700 miles to attend the Jan. 28 hearing. During weekend basketball games, the Red Hawks’ boys’ basketball squad wore warmups with “Orozco” on the back in support of the family.
Charges against Orozco include illegal re-entry of a removed alien and threatening a federal officer. The illegal re-entry charge carries a possible penalty of two years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release. The latter charge carries a penalty of six years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
The complaint states that Orozco was found to be living illegally in Froid and was previously removed from the United States in September of 2009 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“We as a community still stand with Roberto and his family despite what they charge him with,” Froid’s Keith Nordlund told the Northern Plains Independent. He said support has come from across the country as well as locally.
“People have reached out, sent money,” Nordlund said, “not only for legal but the families living expenses. We have a meal train set up for locals to help with food. The support has been amazing.”
According to the complaint, investigative energies behind Orozco’s detention were initiated locally. Supervising Border Patrol agent Nicholas Buchnowski, who is stationed in Plentywood, stated, “On Jan. 15, 2026, Havre Sector Intelligence Agents, operating in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles, approached the public access area of Orozco Diesel shop located on MT HWY 16 near Froid, MT. [...] Upon knocking on the front door of the business, Orozco-Ramirez appeared suspicious and on high alert. He refused to allow agents entry into the public/office area of the building when asked questions about services provided by his business.”
The complaint alleges that Orozco was observed through one of the office windows yelling threats and obscenities at the agents and says that he was “observed in the rearview mirror carrying a 2x6 section of lumber,” which he then allegedly hurled in the direction of the agent’s vehicle.
Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick told this newspaper that Orozco was taken from the Roosevelt County Detention Center by Border Patrol agents in violation of an agreement between Frederick and that agency. Frederick negotiated Orozco’s surrender Jan. 25, saying, “The man posed no danger to the community,” stressing that Orozco and his family have been productive local residents for over a decade.
“We just want to find a way to keep Roberto here, for him and his family, most importantly, but also for our community,” said Laurie Young, Froid resident and town council member. “Not just because of the work he provides but because he has become family to many of us. That’s what small towns provide. We all look out for each other because we truly care for one another. We know it might take a miracle, but we’ll keep trying for a legal way to make this work.”
One possible route for Orozco’s return to Froid may be a Order of Supervision. An OSUP is issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to allow certain immigrants to remain in the U.S. temporarily, under strict conditions, while a final order of removal is pending. Instead of remaining in a detention center, the individual is released – but they must regularly check in with ICE and follow specific terms.
Community members have been attempting to reach out to Montana’s congregational delegation, including U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, asking for support in the form of a OSUP provision.
Nordlund said that supporters are hoping Orozco will qualify for an OSUP. “We are working as hard as we can to bring attention to this issue and get him an OSUP provision,” Nordlund said. “We have and will continue to call our elected leaders in hopes of them helping our small community.”
Downing’s communications director Beau Brooks responded to NPI’s request for comment on Feb. 2: “Congressman Downing and his staff are aware of the charges against Mr. Orozco-Ramirez and welcome continued input from the community regarding the matter. The office reserves further comment so as not to obstruct due process or ongoing legal proceedings.”
To contact Downing, call 202-225-3211 or 406-413-6720 or visit downing.house.gov/ contact.
