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Diesel mechanic released after 109 days in detention, judge rejects Trump administration detention policy

May 15, 2026 · Great Falls, MT, Mexico

Diesel mechanic released after 109 days in detention, judge rejects Trump administration detention policy

Roberto Orozco-Ramirez, a diesel mechanic from Froid, Montana, was arrested by Border Patrol on January 25, 2026, on illegal re-entry charges. After the government dropped the felony charge in April 2026, he remained detained for over 100 days under the Trump administration's expanded mandatory detention policy for undocumented immigrants. On May 14-15, 2026, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Brian Morris ruled that Orozco-Ramirez's continued detention violated due process and constitutional rights, finding the administration's mandatory detention interpretation erroneous. The judge ordered his immediate release from the Cascade County Detention Center. Orozco-Ramirez, a father of four U.S. citizen children with no criminal record, had built a successful diesel repair business after living in the United States for 25 years.

Timeline

May 14, 2026U.S. District Court Chief Judge Brian Morris ruled continued detention unlawful and violated due process; ordered immediate release
May 14, 2026Orozco-Ramirez released from Cascade County Detention Center after 109 days in detention
Apr 2026Government dropped felony charge against Orozco-Ramirez; he remained detained under mandatory detention policy
Jan 25, 2026Roberto Orozco-Ramirez arrested by Border Patrol on illegal re-entry charges

Sources

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