Habeas Hearing Set For May 21 In Orozco Case

As at press time, Froid’s Roberto Orozco-Ramirez was being moved back to Montana following months of detention and transfers to detention facilities in three states. Montana Chief Judge Brian Morris ordered April 27 that a hearing on Orozco’s petition for writ of habeas corpus be held in Great Falls on May 21 at 1:30 p.m.

On April 14, the felony criminal charge of illegal reentry against Orozco was dismissed by a federal judge. Orozco’s lawyers then filed a civil lawsuit against the government on his behalf. Orozco’s lawyers argued that he should be released and his ongoing detention violates his right to due process.

A letter from Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick was included in the suit. Frederick effectively vouched for Orozco and said his department would provide supervision for his release.

“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,” Frederick wrote. “We want Mr. Orozco Ramirez back in our community and his family needs to have him at home.”

Frederick said he is willing to supervise Orozco’s release and utilize department resources to ensure that he complies with requirements of immigration court: “To reiterate, my office and I are willing to assume responsibility for Mr. Orozco-Ramirez’s supervision during the pendency of his immigration matters. I have a deputy stationed in his hometown and thus can ensure supervision as needed. I am also willing to provide any additional resources, as necessary, to ensure that Mr. Orozco Ramirez complies with any requirements to appear in immigration court or at any other appearance requested by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

In the event that Frederick’s offer is rejected, Orozco’s lawyers have requested that he have a bond hearing, where a judge can assess whether detention is warranted.